Tries That Matter: Sportsbet Once Again Teams up with Mark Hughes Foundation for 2025 Beanie for Brain Cancer Round

Get ready to cheer even louder during Round 17 of the NRL – because every try scored this year won’t just light up the scoreboard, it’ll also help tackle one of Australia’s toughest health challenges. For the ninth consecutive year, Sportsbet is proud to support the NRL’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, pledging $1,000 for every try scored in Round 17 to the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF).

With try-scoring rates on the rise, donations this year are expected to top $60,000, which would push Sportsbet’s total contributions past $600,000 since the partnership began in 2017.

A Cause Worth Backing

The Beanie for Brain Cancer Round has become one of the most meaningful weekends on the Rugby League calendar – uniting fans, players, and clubs around a common goal: funding brain cancer research and raising nationwide awareness. “Their generosity has helped raise almost $550,000 for brain cancer research,” said Mark Hughes, founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation.

“The $1,000-per-try initiative brings so much fun to the round but also helps shine a spotlight on brain cancer and the urgent need for continued research and support. Now we just need the coaches to ease up on the defence and let the tries flow!”

Milestone Moment: A Try for the Record Books

When the first try is scored in Round 17, it will push Sportsbet’s all-time donations over the $550,000 milestone. With try averages sitting around 63 per round, this year’s round alone could generate more than $60,000 in donations. Add that to past contributions – including a record-setting 73-try round in 2021 – and Sportsbet’s support for the Mark Hughes Foundation is on course to hit a new high.

Beanie For Brain Cancer Round Shows Rugby League is More Than Just a Game

Sportsbet CEO Barni Evans summed it up best: “It’s a powerful reminder of the positive effect the Rugby League community can have when united. Sportsbet is proud to do more for our communities and raise funds for such a meaningful cause.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo praised Sportsbet’s ongoing commitment to this wonderful cause that continues to elevate one of the game’s most meaningful rounds.

"Sportsbet are great supporters of Rugby League as well as the Mark Hughes Foundation. Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is a special part of the season and Sportsbet's support, now approaching $550,000 over eight seasons, is making a big impact in the fight against brain cancer.”

So whether it’s a length-of-the-field dash or a cheeky dive from dummy half – every try in NRL Round 17 is one worth celebrating. Not just for the scoreboard, but for the future of brain cancer research in Australia.