The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), in partnership with national insurer Youi, is taking up the fight against kids’ cancer through a new fundraising initiative to be launched during NRL Magic Round Brisbane 2026.
The two organisations have teamed up with all 17 NRL Clubs and 11 paediatric cancer centres in Australia and New Zealand to launch Kick for a Cause, with the aim of raising $1 million to improve the care, comfort, and outcomes of every child facing cancer across Australia and New Zealand.
Manly’s strong link to this initiative is through Beau Hewitt, a staunch Sea Eagles fan who lost his life to cancer a week before his 13th birthday in 2025.
A local junior who played with both the Mona Vale Raiders and Narrabeen Sharks, Beau formed a very close bond with the Trbojevic boys, as did his parents Belinda and Scott.
Beau Hewitt's parents Scott and Belinda
“Beauie passed in March of last year and this started I think around April of last year so to see it come to fruition is fantastic. It would mean the world to Beauie,” said Beau’s father Scott.
His whole goal was that he didn't want any other kids to suffer like he suffered.
Scott Hewitt
"He didn't want to see kids get the cancer that he got.”
Beau’s mum Belinda says this initiative would mean the world to her son.
I sat with him for the last three months of his life and all he wanted to do was help other kids and raise money.
Beau's mum Belinda
“He set up his own cure for cancer page on his social media pages, and we had no idea about that until afterwards.
“We are incredibly proud to be associated with this NRL dream of Beauie’s.”
Youi has pledged a $1,000 donation for every successfully converted try and penalty goal attempt at the highly anticipated three-day festival of Rugby League to be held in Brisbane from May 15-17. They have also doubled the pledge for every successful field goal across the round.
Each year, around 1,000 children and teens are diagnosed with cancer in Australia and New Zealand, that is an average of three children diagnosed with cancer every day.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM has called on the Rugby League community to get behind an important cause as well as supporting their favourite team during the game’s annual pilgrimage to south-east Queensland.
Every child fighting cancer deserves the very best care, comfort and hope — and rugby league is stepping up to help deliver it.
ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM
“At Magic Round, our game comes together in a powerful way. Every kick, every cheer and every dollar raised will make a real difference for kids and families doing it tough.
“We thank our partner, Youi, for their support of this important initiative and urge all fans travelling to Brisbane for Magic Round and as well as those cheering on from home to get behind a very worthy cause by helping those who need it most.”
All funds raised from Kick for a Cause will be distributed to the 11 leading paediatric cancer centres in Australia and New Zealand through collaboration with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and Starship Foundation. These 11 centres provide specialist clinical care, groundbreaking research, and vital support programs for children with cancer and their families.
As part of the initiative, all 17 NRL clubs have linked with their local paediatric hospital to coordinate further community engagement activities, including player hospital visits and inner sanctum experiences for young cancer patients.
Kick for a Cause Impact Partners:
Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (NSW), Children’s Hospital Foundation (QLD), The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation (VIC), Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation (TAS), John Hunter Children’s Hospital (NSW), Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (SA), Monash Health Foundation (VIC), Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (WA), Starship Foundation (VIC), Child Cancer Foundation (VIC)
Donations for Kick for a Cause can be made at: www.kickforacause.org.au
