Rugby League Dec 07, 2025

World Club Challenge: Hull KR to host Brisbane Broncos as rugby league's battle for global supremacy returns in 2026

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
World Club Challenge: Hull KR to host Brisbane Broncos as rugby league's battle for global supremacy returns in 2026

Hull KR will host NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos as the Betfred World Club Challenge returns in 2026 after a year's absence.

Fresh from ending a historic 2025 campaign as Super League champions for the first time, Willie Peters' side battle the NRL Grand Final winners for global supremacy in the annual cross-hemisphere battle on February 19.

The match will take place at the MKM Stadium as Hull hosts the Betfred World Club Challenge for the very first time.

It also sees Hull KR face Australian opposition for the first time in 40 years as the Robins and Broncos battle it out to be crowned the world's best rugby league club side.

The mouth-watering 'Clash of the Champions' pits Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Elliot Minchella and co against some of Queensland's finest, including Australian internationals Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan.

Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said: "With offers from around the world to host the game, we are delighted to bring the World Club Challenge home to Hull, allowing supporters, not just from the city but the whole region and beyond, the opportunity to see the world's two best rugby league sides go head-to-head.

"With round one of our title defence in the Super League and a trip to Las Vegas for the 'Battle of Yorkshire' a week after the World Club Challenge, February is set to be the most exciting month in the club's illustrious history as we take the Robins to the global stage."

Brisbane Broncos' chief executive officer Dave Donaghy said: "We're delighted to bring the World Club Challenge back next year to kick off the rugby league calendar.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Brisbane Broncos on the world stage and test ourselves against the champions of England, Hull KR. The players and staff are determined to represent Brisbane and our members in the best possible way - and to bring another trophy home.

"Taking the club back to England will be special. Hull KR have incredibly passionate fans and we're looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and the challenge that will bring."

Betfred boss Fred Done added: "At Betfred, we have a real passion for rugby league so it is a great pleasure to once again be associated with these two Grand Final winners lining up for the Betfred World Club Challenge."

Tags:

rugby-league news id:13464377

Share this article

Related Posts

Women's Challenge Cup final: Youthful Wigan Warriors surpass St Helens in clear power shift – 'Change is coming at Saints'

Women's Challenge Cup final: Youthful Wigan Warriors surpass St Helens in clear power shift – 'Change is coming at Saints'

For four years in a row between 2021 and 2024, St Helens experienced Women's Challenge Cup glory. In the two years since, though, Wigan Warriors have...

Wigan coach Matt Peet tells Warriors to enjoy Challenge Cup celebrations after win over Hull KR at Wembley

Wigan coach Matt Peet tells Warriors to enjoy Challenge Cup celebrations after win over Hull KR at Wembley

After clinching the Challenge Cup with a 40-10 drubbing of Hull KR, Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet had one message for his side on how to celebra...

Women's State of Origin 2026: New South Wales complete clean sweep over Queensland with historic win

Women's State of Origin 2026: New South Wales complete clean sweep over Queensland with historic win

New South Wales completed the first 3-0 clean sweep in the Women's State of Origin after they beat Queensland in the third game.NSW already won the an...

Challenge Cup final 2026: The big Bevan French question - will Wigan Warriors' star man return at Wembley?

Challenge Cup final 2026: The big Bevan French question - will Wigan Warriors' star man return at Wembley?

When Wigan Warriors named their Challenge Cup final squad, one question came to the forefront: Is Bevan French going to play at Wembley?Wigan's star m...

London's calling! How Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and St Helens are looking to become Wembley immortals in Challenge Cup final

London's calling! How Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and St Helens are looking to become Wembley immortals in Challenge Cup final

Wembley Way has once again been flooded with football fans from every corner of the leagues, all dreaming of seeing their team immortalised on that ic...

Challenge Cup Finals LIVE! Updates, scores, commentary from Wembley with Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, St Helens women and Wigan Warriors women in action

Challenge Cup Finals LIVE! Updates, scores, commentary from Wembley with Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, St Helens women and Wigan Warriors women in action

Chelsea set to sign McCabeLatest from Your Site' News Anton Toloui:Chelsea are expected to sign Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe.McCabe who ma...