'Build on Alex's legacy': Clarke's cancer battle inspiring Tigers
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The Wests Tigers will draw on former athletic performance coach Alex Clarke's inspirational battle with brain cancer as they look to honour his legacy during Sunday's clash with the Knights.
This weekend marks the first Beanie for Brain Cancer Round since Clarke lost his battle with the disease in January and emotions will be high at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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Clarke continued to work while he fought the cancer, providing a regular reminder to the Tigers players of his dedication and commitment to the club.
The playing group is determined to give back, both on the field and through raising awareness of the deadly disease.
"The doctors didn't give him much time or hope and he just kept pushing through," Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi said. "He was even turning up to work in his last few days.
"With his work ethic he would come in and still do his job even though he was fighting so many demons in his head. It's a credit to him and a credit to anyone that has any sort of cancer. It must be a tough fight and it's so important to make sure whoever's got it we get around them and help them push through it."
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 17 -
home Team
Knights
6th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
10th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Round 17 marks the 10th edition of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, with the event growing considerably throughout the past decade.
Since its inception, 1.3 million beanies have been sold and nearly $30 million has been raised for research into the deadly disease.
The funds have directly contributed to the establishment of the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle and there are currently more than 160 researchers working to find a cure for brain cancer at the university.
Earlier this month, the MHF contributed a landmark $18.9 million philanthropic gift to drive the next phase of research.
While Alex passed away earlier this year, his wife Laura is determined to help lead the fight to find a cure.
"Being a researcher myself, I've looked into every clinical trial throughout the world," Clarke said. "It's devastating to know there isn't a silver bullet, there's nothing that's going to significantly prolong the outcome so it's super important we keep raising awareness.
"We want to build on Alex's legacy, especially when he can't be here himself. He was positive, determined, he was never going to quit. To be here for him is special and important to raise awareness. Awareness is power."
Clarke spent time working for a number of AFL clubs before moving to NSW and joining the Dragons. He eventually shifted to the Sharks before commencing work with the Tigers.
He also spent time with the Fijian Bati throughout their international campaigns.
Running on to the field as a trainer, he regularly inspired his children to chase their dreams.
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"The Dragons was our first foray into the NRL," Clarke said. "I had no idea of the rules but like everything, if you're invested in the team, you get passionate and supportive.
"The boys loved going to games. At first it was to watch their dad on the field in the yellow shirt but later on they understood the game and enjoyed watching it."
While devastated to be in the position she's currently in, Laura is determined to prevent other families from going through similar pain.
To do that, she needs the support of the rugby league community.
"Just buy a beanie," Clarke said. "Let's find a cure. I want to be standing here in 10 years' time celebrating our wins, not moaning about how little it's changed in 30 years."
Help raise funds for vital research into brain cancer by purchasing your Beanie for Brain Cancer beanie. Beanies are available at every NRL match of Round 17, along with selected Woolworths, IGA and Lowes stores and the Mark Hughes Foundation website.
