By Jorja Brinums
The 2026 Crazy Socks design is in and those responsible hold Family of League dear to their hearts.
Crazy Socks is an initiative where rugby league players, referees, volunteers and clubs wear brightly coloured, specially designed socks to raise awareness and funds for people in the rugby league community doing it tough.
The socks are deliberately bold, fun and eye‑catching — and each year’s design is different, with the proceeds from sock sales going towards Family of League’s National Wellbeing Program, which provides practical help including food and fuel vouchers, medical equipment and financial support during hardship.
This year’s design is primarily based off a drawing by Charleville product and former Queensland Maroons star Adrian Vowles’ daughters Millie, 10, and Frankie, seven.
Adrian’s daughters were compelled to do the drawings because of the love they have for Family of League, after supporting their dad post emergency open-heart surgery in December last year.
“I have seen first-hand for many years the positive impact of Family of League and the people it has helped,” Adrian said.
“I first met Andrew and Neil O’Brien through this organisation as a guest speaker at Dalby many years ago and have remained friends since then.
“Little did I know that wonderful organisation would help me in a positive way after having to undergo unexpected open heart surgery in December last year.
“Andrew organised for Alfie Langer, a former Origin team mate of mine (one game), to visit me to check on my welfare along with Neil and a lovely lady from Family of League.
“It couldn’t have come at a more opportune time because if I am honest I was feeling very down after being in ICU an extra three days after some complications after my op… to say the visit boosted my spirits would be an understatement to say the least, it absolutely helped me so much.
“I also got a visit at home a few weeks later from Andrew Neil and Alf just check on my recovery.”
The Crazy Socks design also incorporates elements of other designs that came in through National Wellbeing Manager Roxanne Moates, including from Vickie Ison, who was previously an Ipswich Committee wellbeing officer before work commitments increased and she stepped down from the Committee.
Vickie has also been beneficiary of Family of League support and remains incredibly grateful for the kindness shown to her. To this day, she continues to be a vital source of referrals for Family of League.
“My story is about rugby league, resilience, and learning to ask for help,” Vickie said.
“Rugby league has always been part of who I am. It’s where I’ve found purpose, connection, and a way to give back to others. But a few years ago, my personal life changed, and I found myself in a very dark place.
“I was still showing up for everyone else, still doing my best to keep going, but inside I was struggling more than I wanted to admit. Then my car broke down. It might sound like a small thing, but for me, it was the breaking point. I couldn’t get to work properly, I felt stuck, and everything suddenly felt overwhelming. That was the moment I realised I couldn’t keep doing this on my own, I needed help just to be able to get to work and keep my life moving. Even then, it took me a long time to ask.
“I’m someone who’s always there for others and asking for help felt hard. It felt like admitting defeat. But when I finally did ask, Family of League, especially Roxy, showed up for me. There was no judgement. No questions about why it took so long. Just genuine support when I needed it most. And that changed everything. Asking for help didn’t make me weak — it set me free. It lifted a weight I’d been carrying and reminded me that strength isn’t about doing everything alone.
“Because of that support, I was able to get back on my feet. And more than that, it allowed me to keep helping others — kids, families, and people in the rugby league community who might also be struggling but don’t know how to ask. That’s why Family of League means so much to me. This is what Family of League stands for. This is why mental health matters. And this is why we wear the socks, to remind people that it’s okay to ask for help, and that support can change lives.”
The extra elements of this year’s Crazy Socks were from drawings from junior rugby league players including Mahaliya, who is seven.
“All of those symbols she associates with football… the lightning strike is because the socks make you run fast like lightening, the heart with Family of League inside represents how they help football players and their families and the stars represent the up and coming stars of the game,” Mahaliya said.
This year’s Crazy Sock Round in Queensland is June 13-14; and in New South Wales, it is flagged for July 25-26.
Keep a look out for when they go on sale.
