Following on from Magic Round and Indigenous Round, Beanie for Brain Cancer Round will be ushered in on Thursday night in the NRL with a clash between Cronulla and the Dolphins.
It is the eighth time the initiative, which is led by former two-time Newcastle premiership winner Mark Hughes, will be hosted in the competition.
After receiving a life-altering brain cancer diagnosis in 2013, Hughes and his wife Kirralee established the Mark Hughes Foundation to help try and fund research into the disease.
Players, officials and fans will all don the MHF beanies to show their support for the cause across the round with purchases of the headwear going towards funding the research.
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What is Beanie for Brain Cancer Round in the NRL?
"Where the game changed for us was when the NRL got involved eight years ago," Hughes told NRL.com.
"We had hosted beanie days in the background and the Knights had hosted a beanie day for us because we were local, but our big goal was to try and get in with the NRL and get some support there."
The initiative of purchasing the beanies at grounds and wearing them has received a groundswell of support from the rugby league community as the years have gone by.
The concept was helped by the late Channel Nine executive producer Matt Callander, who lost his battle with brain cancer seven years ago.
"The beanie is a simple and easy idea," Hughes continued.
"You are paying $25 to our charity, and we are giving you a beanie almost as a receipt.
"It has been a magical journey since 2017 and we would not be where we are today without the support of the NRL community."
The NRL noted on the eve of the annual event that more than one million beanies had been sold since the inaugural Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
"As a result, the MHF has raised more than $30 million for brain cancer research and patient support," the NRL noted.
The Big Three trek will also coincide with the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, with 64 people to walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days to raise funds for brain cancer research.
Meanwhile, Sportsbet will also continue their contribution to the MHF by donating $1,000 for every try scored during the round.
Who is Mark Hughes?
Hughes is a former professional rugby league player who enjoyed a successful career predominantly with Newcastle.
Hughes debuted for the Knights during the 1997 season, which culminated in their maiden grand final victory over Manly.
He featured as a winger during the early stages of his time in the Hunter, before eventually moving into the centres, where he won another premiership with the Knights in 2001 against Parramatta.
During this campaign, Hughes also made his debut for New South Wales where he featured in all three games for the Blues.
Hughes' time with the Knights came to an end in 2005 as he finished with 161 appearances for the club along with 66 tries.
He played for the Catalans Dragons in 2006 in what turned out to be his final season as a professional before he retired at 30 years old.
How to buy beanies during Beanie for Brain Cancer Round
"Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is an inspiring example of the power of the rugby league community," NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
"One million beanies sold is an incredible achievement over the first seven years, and this year we are calling on rugby league fans to help us take this fight to another level.
"The contribution of people across all parts of the game is having a real impact on so many lives."
Beanies will be sold at every ground hosting a game in Round 15 and are also able to be purchased at www.markhughesfoundation.com.au.
