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Mark
Hughes

2 time Premiership winner, NSW State of origin player & Founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation

He/Him

A simple way to start is by making today count

Profile

Mark Hughes is an engaging and inspirational speaker whose journey resonates deeply with audiences of all kinds. As a former professional rugby league player, Mark was a key member of two premiership-winning teams for the Newcastle Knights and proudly represented New South Wales in State of Origin.

In 2013, at just 36 years old, Mark faced a life- altering diagnosis of high-grade brain cancer, a disease with no cure and stagnant treatment options for over three decades. Refusing to be defined by his diagnosis, he co-founded the Mark Hughes Foundation, which has since raised over $35 million to fund brain cancer research and create hope for countless families.

A Story That Inspires, Mark’s presentations are a masterclass in storytelling, weaving his journey from growing up in a small Hunter Valley town to thriving in professional sport and confronting life’s toughest challenges.

Audiences will laugh, reflect, and leave inspired by Mark’s powerful mantra, Make Today Count. With a focus on resilience, positivity, and living with purpose, Mark’s message is unforgettable, offering practical and uplifting takeaways for everyone.

Expertise
Talking Points

Goals & Dreams

*Following and believing in your dreams, setting goals along the way

Resilience & Positive mindset

*The 5 key areas that help me keep a positive and resilient mindset are:
1.My personal values
2.My team
3.Contributing to the community
4.Controlling my thoughts
5.Movement & fun

Power of team

*What is your role in your team?
*Be the team mate everyone wants to play with.
*Surround yourself with the right team.

Make today count

*Once I was diagnosed this had new meaning.
*We can't be consumed by the past or caught up with the future.
*By making TODAY COUNT you give yourself the best chance of living your best life.
Media
Feedback
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker for any occasion, I unreservedly recommend Mark. Mark’s segment was engaging, funny, inspiring, interesting, heartwarming – I’m running out of adjectives. Mark’s story and delivery balances perfectly the mystic of a celebrity; the respect for an elite athlete; the inspiration of someone who has faced their own mortality and how he is moving through that with grace, grit and humour; the determination of someone dedicated to giving back; and the relatability of an ‘ordinary’, humble family man. PKF Partner

Mark delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking speech. He shared insights into his work with the Mark Hughes Foundation, offered heartfelt reflections on his NRL career, candidly discussing the highs and lows of life as a professional athlete. His engaging storytelling truly resonated with our audience.

Townsville Business Challenge

I had the pleasure of inviting Mark Hughes into the NSW State of Origin camp. His presentation was educational, humorous and inspiring. I was struck with great pride watching an ex-NSW Origin player show resilience to combat the disease ‘brain cancer’ but also take the ball up and champion the cause.

Australian Rugby League Commentator
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