This weekend’s annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is one that holds extra special significance for the Wests Tigers.
In January this year, the Club’s Senior Athletic Performance Coach, Alex Clarke, passed away from brain cancer following a brave two-year battle.
It's the 10th anniversary this season of the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round between the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF).
Across the nine Beanie Rounds to date, rugby league fans have helped MHF raise $29.7 million through the sale of more than 1.3 million beanies, bringing Australians together in the fight against brain cancer.
Clarke was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in April 2024. While continuing to work closely with Wests Tigers players, he remained a devoted husband and father, focused on creating special moments with his young family.
Throughout his cancer battle, Clarke’s passion for his work never wavered, guiding Wests Tigers players through the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Wests Tigers halfback, Adam Doueihi said the players will be carrying Clarke’s legacy with them this weekend.
“It’s an important round. It was sad to see the way he deteriorated and how he couldn’t be himself at the end,’’ Doueihi said.
“I know the doctors didn’t give him much length (of time) and much hope, but he kept pushing through and was even turning up here to work in his last few days.
“Just his work ethic…unbelievable. It was a credit to him.”
Second-rower, Alex Seyfarth said the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is important to the Club.
“It hits close to home. This is the first round since (Alex passed),’’ Seyfarth
“All the boys will be up for it and getting around (the cause).
As part of the Club's support for the MHF, the Holman Barnes Group (HBG) and the Wests Tigers have purchased 300 beanies to give to Wests Tigers fans at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday – a donation totalling $8,700.
To purchase a beanie or donate, fans can visit markhughesfundation.com.au.
