IRL Judiciary Chair recognised in Australia Day Honours

International Rugby League congratulates IRL Judiciary Chair, The Hon Geoffrey Bellew SC, on his recognition in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Mr Bellew was awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for significant service to the judiciary and the law, to the legal profession, and to Rugby League.

A Justice of The Supreme Court of NSW from 2012 to 2023, Mr Bellew has had a long and distinguished involvement in Rugby League, including his current roles as International Rugby League Judiciary Chair, which he has held since 2024.

He has also been Judiciary Chair for the NRL and NRLW Premierships, State of Origin and the Pacific Championships since 2015.

Mr Bellew, whose father Tom was one of the game’s great administrators and served on the Board of International Rugby League, has previously been a member of the NRL Board, and Chair of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (2002-03) and the Northern Eagles joint venture (2000).

IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “On behalf of the International Rugby League Board, I congratulate The Hon Geoffrey Bellew on being awarded an AM in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

“This award is deserved recognition for a lifetime of service to Rugby League in many key roles across the game, including his current role as IRL Judiciary Chair.

“International Rugby League is fortunate to have someone as distinguished as Geoffrey in such an important role and we are proud to see him recognised in the Australia Day Honours.”

Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, who established the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) in 2014 to combat brain cancer, was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for services to the community through charitable organisations.

Hughes, who made three State of Origin appearances for NSW and was a member of Newcastle’s 1997 and 2001 premiership winning teams, established Beanies For Brain Cancer with the late Channel 9 producer Matt Callander.

Beanies For Brain Cancer is now an annual round in the NRL draw and has raised 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.

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.

The 2026 NRL Beanies For Brain Cancer Round will be held in Round 17 on June 25-28.