The annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round has come around once again, with both Head Coach Trent Robinson and NRLW Premiership-winner Jocelyn Kelleher throwing their full support for the initiative.
Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013, beloved former NRL star Mark Hughes set out on a journey in search of a cure - and after establishing the Mark Hughes Foundation, the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round has been in full swing since 2014.
Hughes & Kelleher | Beanie for Brain Cancer Round
A number of NRL and NRLW players, led by Roosters Premiership-winning utility Kelleher, took part in the launch of the round earlier this week when they walked from the Sydney Cricket Ground to the Sydney Opera House.
In 2019, Head Coach Trent Robinson raised over $60,000 for the cause along with nineteen other climbers - including Hughes - on a nine-day trek through harsh conditions and high altitudes of Mount Kilimanjaro in a monumental effort.
Kelleher's support for the cause holds a special place in her heart, with the Club's community leader selflessly donating her $3500 prize money after taking out the fan vote for the 2022 Veronica White Medal.
PURCHASE YOUR BEANIE HERE TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH
“Unfortunately a couple of years ago one of my coaches in league tag and oztag got diagnosed with stage four brain cancer,” Kelleher explained.
“He kind of joked about it, being the positive person that he was going ‘Oh I’ll be back in a week, all good’ but it was a pretty big decline from there. It was pretty hard for us, and his family is the most beautiful family ever.
"So if there’s anything I can do, a little donation or a couple of beanies can take even a millionth of the pain away from one single family, I’ll do anything I can to do that."
Hughes, who visited Roosters HQ on Thursday to speak to the NRL squad, made it his mission to personally thank Kelleher for her heartwarming gesture.
“Well first of all I want to say congratulations (to Kelleher) on a wonderful season,” Hughes said.
Kelleher: "We Can't Wait to Get Back Out There"
“To then choose our charity, I was in Darwin doing a challenge for the charity when it came through and it gave me a real lift in spirits.
“I thought ‘this is awesome, I’ve got to come in and meet (with Jocelyn) and to say thankyou’ and today’s the day – so I’m very grateful for the support.
The man behind the foundation also touched on the experience of taking on Kilimanjaro, with Robinson playing a key part in their journey.
"I’ve had amazing support from the Roosters for many years with Robbo and the staff and now Jocelyn," he explained.
“Robbo joined us in Mount Kilimanjaro and we had about 30 trekkers. It was quite challenging, especially up the top of the mountain.
“On the last night, we needed some words and some inspiration and Robbo was a true leader. He settled the group down and got us in the right mindset to take on a huge challenge and we all got through it.
“Robbo was just so amazing on that trip, so patient and he was talking to everyone. His ongoing support has overwhelmed me and I’ve got a mate for life.”
Beanie for Brain Cancer Round enters its ninth year in 2022, which has seen over 800,000 beanies sold and over $24 million that has been invested into extensive research programs.
Robinson's MHF Connection
Unable to wipe the smile from his face, Hughes expressed his gratitude for the Rugby League communities' support for the initiative.
“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger," he beamed.
"Everyone gets behind it, from the players, the coaches, referees, ball boys and most of all the fans and media. Everywhere we look there’s support and this is just another example of how the Rugby League community get right behind us.
“Sport is important, you win and you lose but I feel this weekend is a greater cause. People know that brain cancer kills more people under 40 than any other disease and there’s no cure.
“It’s an exciting time for the foundation because there’s so much hope out there that we can do around brain cancer. We can’t do it without the support and we’re really grateful for that.”
