Hull to host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge

Hull has been selected to host the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The 2025 Betfred Super League champions, Hull KR, will compete against the NRL Telstra Premiership winners, Brisbane Broncos, at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February.

Key Players and Matchup

The game will feature notable Australian players such as Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan, fresh from Ashes series performances. They will face Hull KR's English trio: Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess.

Comments from RL Commercial Chair

"Rugby League's Anglo-Australian rivalry takes the sport to a wider audience, as we have seen in the current Ashes series, and it's wonderful to see the World Club Challenge heading for the first time to the great Rugby League city of Hull."

"Hull KR will become only the sixth British club to earn the privilege of playing in the World Club Challenge, a fitting reward for the outstanding progress they have made in recent seasons."

"They could have no more attractive opposition than Brisbane Broncos, one of the most resonant names in Australian sport. The Broncos have graced this fixture a number of times in the past, and have again shown their support of international Rugby League in agreeing to travel north in February 2026 - when they will also be breaking new ground with their first appearance in Hull."

Significance of the Event

This event will mark a quick UK return for Australia's top players and highlight the growth of Hull KR in international Rugby League.

Summary: Hull’s hosting of the 2026 World Club Challenge spotlights the city's rising status in Rugby League and features a high-profile clash between top British and Australian clubs.

Insider Media — 2025-11-06