The Men of League Foundation have organised a benefit night for Mal Cheney to be held at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Friday, February 15.
Cheney was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008 and after an operation he was given only a few days to live.
He has battled on remarkably and only recently moved to a nursing home in Batemans Bay.
Cheney's rugby league career began with Tarcutta in 1966.
He played two years with Parramatta, which included the Eels' reserve grade win over Cronulla in 1975 under Terry Fearnley.
Cheney enjoyed success at Batemans Bay where he coached the Tigers to grand final victories in 1979 and 1986 in the Group 7 competition, after involvement with eight other CRL clubs.
When he finished coaching Cheney continued his rugby league career with South Coast media outlets 2EC and Bay Post/Moruya Examiner as a broadcaster and reporter.
A large crowd from all corners of the state is expected at the benefit.