Mark Hughes Foundation co-founder and former Newcastle Knights premiership winner Mark Hughes and National Rugby League Judiciary Chair, The Hon Geoffrey Bellew SC, head the 2026 list of honours recipients from the Rugby League community.
Mark Hughes, who established the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) in 2014, was awarded an OAM for services to the community through charitable organisations.
For the past decade the NRL has supported MHF’s efforts to combat brain cancer through the annual staging of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, a concept created by Hughes and the late Channel 9 producer Matt Callander, raising millions of dollars through beanie sales each year.
Mark and his wife Kirralee set up MHF following Mark’s diagnosis with brain cancer in 2013, with a mission is to raise much needed funds for brain cancer research and support for brain cancer patients.
Old mates act: Hughes' Wolfpack hunting for a cure
The pair opened The MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research in 2022, which is now the national hub for brain cancer research situated at the University of Newcastle.
Hughes was joined in being honoured today by The Hon Geoffrey Bellew SC, who has awarded an AM for significant service to the judiciary and the law, to the legal profession, and to Rugby League.
Mr Bellew has had a long and distinguished involvement in the game, including his current role as Judiciary Chair for the NRL and NRLW Premierships, State of Origin and the Pacific Championships, which he has held since 2015. He was also appointed Chair of the International Rugby League (IRL) Judiciary Committee in 2024.
Mr Bellew has also served as a Justice of The Supreme Court of NSW from 2012 to 2023 and has previously served on the NRL Board, and as Chair of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (2002-03) and the Northern Eagles joint venture (2000).
Several other members of the Rugby League community were recognised for their contribution to industry and their local communities on Australia Day.
The list included lifelong South Sydney Rugby League devotee Phil Jenkinson of Maroubra, who received an OAM for his contribution to sailing, and to junior Rugby League.
Jenkinson is a Souths Juniors and South Sydney Mustangs life member who has served in a mutlitude of roles at the club from groundsman through to various committee positions and has been involved in coaching at a junior level for 33 years.
Others to claim OAM honours were:
Darwin Brothers club legend Francis Ahmat for services to the Indigenous community; Gunnedah Rugby League Club patron Colleen Fuller; Mareeba Rugby League Club benefactor Dennis Howe; former Ballina Junior Rugby League coach and committee member Richard Willis; Caloundra Junior Rugby League life member Kevin Stroud; former East Mount Pritchard Junior Rugby League coach David Millett; Gerringong Lions medical officer Shane Wicks; former Western Suburbs Magpies Board director Reginald Young; and long-term Orara Valley Axeman Rugby League Club trainer Barry Nicholls of WA.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo paid tribute to all Rugby League honours recipients.
“The NRL recognises and celebrates all of today’s honours recipients for their outstanding service to Rugby League and for the vital roles they play in their local communities.
“We are incredibly fortunate and proud to have these remarkable individuals as part of the Rugby League community.
“It was especially pleasing to see so many recipients acknowledged for their dedication to Junior Rugby League clubs across the country. These individuals, like countless volunteers throughout the game devote their time to nurturing the next generation of Rugby League players. We thank every volunteer who contributes to our sport and helps ensure Rugby League continues to thrive.”
