“Dutchy” was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma, in late March and two weeks later had surgery to remove about three quarters of the tumour. 

The cancer has affected his memory, speech and ability to care for himself. 

The median life expectancy for glioblastoma patients is less than 15 months.

Former Test captain Steve Waugh, whose charitable foundation helps sick children, heard about Holland’s plight and put him in contact with Dr Teo, who has a reputation for performing risky, last-resort operations.

Holland’s son, Craig, told the Herald that the family were now confronted with a heart-wrenching choice. 

“Steve sent Dad a text and phoned Dad to see whether he was interested in seeing Charlie Teo,” Craig said.

“They’ve been down to see him and we’re just sort of weighing up the pros and cons of all of that. It’s really tricky, unknown sort of stuff.

“He’s [Teo] willing to take the risk where others aren’t.

“I haven’t looked at what his success rates are, but not everyone comes out saved.

“We just don’t know. It’s such a hard decision.

“There’s other factors that come into it, his age, more time under anesthesia.”

Holland, 70, had radiation treatment and chemotherapy after his initial surgery and has now started a course of Avastin, an expensive drug not included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, after his children set up an online crowd-funding page.

Craig said his father was more lucid since ending his chemotherapy treatment.    

“He has his good and bad days. They’ve taken him off the chemo and we’ve started the new medication. He’s had a week on that.

“We’re just waiting to see how this new drug goes.

“I was with him this morning and he was having a conversation with me. Not the old Dad, but a lot better than what he was.”

The Hollands are also facing a court case on November 6, when a Lake Macquarie couple will stand trial for allegedly robbing and bashing Robert and his wife, Carolyn, last year.  

Meanwhile, some of Holland’s former clubmates at Toronto, formerly Southern Lakes, have organised a fundraising night and reunion at Toronto Workers Club on Friday, September 15.

Holland is a life member and former president of the club and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in January after decades of service to the sport as a player, coach and administrator.

To donate to the online campaign, visit mycause.com.au and search for Robert Holland.

The Herald, Newcastle