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. The centres are located in every community that an NRL Club exists.
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.
With fans from all around Australia and New Zealand set to pack the stands across the three days of action, 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,” said Mr V’landys.
“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.”
Nathaniel Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at Youi, said that the team are proud to be the inaugural partner of the NRL’s Kick for a Cause initiative.
“At Youi, our team is on yours, and we’re big believers of the power of community. Supporting strong communities means giving back and investing in causes that genuinely affect the lives of everyday Australians,” Nathaniel said.
“Cancer and serious illness impact countless families, which is why supporting Aussies through moments that matter is at the heart of who we are and what we stand for and why we’re so proud to partner on this initiative” he said.
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 (NZ), Child Cancer Foundation (VIC)
Donations for Kick for a Cause can be made at: www.kickforacause.org.au
The full NRL Magic Round Brisbane draw is available HERE
