It’s almost two years since Darian Furner was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
But on Thursday night, the popular match official will make his return as a first-grade touch judge for the Round 2 Tigers-Bulldogs NRLW match at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
A full-time referee and touch judge with experience across the NRL, NRLW, NSW Cup and International competitions—including the 2022 Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final—Furner’s career came to sudden and devastating halt in October 2023 when he collapsed while in Papua New Guinea to officiate in the Pacific Championships.
Furner was rushed to a local hospital before being medically evacuated to Australia where tests revealed a large brain tumour.
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The father of three has since undergone multiple surgeries, radiation treatment and an intensive period of rehabilitation—and now he’s set to return to rugby league.
Still in his early thirties, Furner had originally hoped to be back refereeing at the start of 2025 NRL season, however complications slowed his progress.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Beanie for Brain Cancer Round NRL CEO Andrew Abdo spoke directly of Furner’s experiences as his treatment continued.
“(Darian’s story) is a reminder of what this round is all about and why investing money and raising money for research to help people battling against any form of cancer is so important,” Abdo said.
“I look forward to seeing him recover and hopefully seeing him on the field again once he has completed his treatment.”
That moment is now—and the entire rugby league community is cheering for Furner in his comeback match on Thursday night.