- Matildas star was supporting Mark Hughes Foundation
- Is connected to the NRL through partner Nathan Cleary
- Troll tried to belittle her attempts to support the charity
Matildas star Mary Fowler has been attacked online for supporting a highly popular brain cancer charity.
The Manchester City forward shared an image online supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation, wearing one of the charity’s distinctive blue beanies and urging her followers to purchase one as well.
‘Got myself a new cute beanie in preparation for the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round coming up at the end of June,’ she posted.
‘The team at the Mark Hughes Foundation are doing incredibly impactful work to help those in need.
‘If you’d like to show your support, you can purchase a beanie following the link in my BIO.’
Mark Hughes is a former NRL star who played 161 games for the Newcastle Knights, scoring 66 tries, winning two premierships and representing New South Wales in State of Origin during his career.
Matildas star Mary Fowler posted this image with one of the Beanies for Brain Cancer that she had purchased and had shipped to the UK
Fowler’s partner is Penrith Panthers, NSW Blues and Australian halfback Nathan Cleary
In 2013, aged 36, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, a life-altering event that inspired him and his wife Kirralee to start the Mark Hughes Foundation in 2014.
The Mark Hughes Foundation focuses on raising funds for brain cancer research, supporting patient care, and increasing awareness of the disease.
One of its flagship events is the annual “Beanie for Brain Cancer” campaign, with over one million beanies sold and tens of millions of dollars donated to research and support programs.
Building on this, the NRL holds the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round in June, during which fans, players, and clubs wear beanies to raise funds – most recently generating $3.1million in 2024.
Fowler’s efforts to promote the 2025 event was met with cynicism by one follower, though, who accused her of doing it for the money.
‘How much are rugby league (Mark Hughes foundation) paying you?’ they asked with a laughing emoji to mock the Matildas star further.
One of Fowler’s more polite followers pointed out that she had a connection to the game through her partner, Panthers star Nathan Cleary.
‘Her partner plays league you muppet,’ they replied.
Fowler urged her Instagram followers to also purchase a beanie to help support the charity
One troll tried to belittle her efforts, prompting the Mark Hughes Foundation to clarify that she was not being paid to endorse the charity
And the Mark Hughes Foundation itself also replied, clarifying that Fowler was not being paid to promote the good cause.
‘To be really clear we offered to send Mary a Beanie in the aim of her posting and improving our sales,’ the foundation’s official Instagram account replied.
‘Mary then graciously went online, brought 3 beanies and had them shipped to the UK.
‘Posted, not only a story, which we get from most influencers but a post and even collaborated with us and added our link to her bio. Way above and beyond.
‘Also we do not pay anyone to promote our beanies and the NRL support us by hosting the Beanie Round they do not, nor need to pay anyone to wear them.’
Beanies are available online through the Foundation’s official website, where this year’s options include the bold Violet Chunky Knit and the timeless Classic Grey, both priced at $29.
Fans attending Round 17 matches from June 26 to 29 can also buy beanies at the stadiums.
In addition, participating retailers such as Lowes, selected IGA supermarkets, and some Woolworths stores are stocking the beanies nationwide.
All proceeds go directly toward brain cancer research and patient support programs run by the Foundation.