Hull to host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge

Hull has been confirmed as the venue for the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The 2025 Betfred Super League champions Hull KR will compete against the NRL’s Telstra Premiership winners, the Brisbane Broncos, at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February.

Key Matchup Details

The game will feature prominent Australian players from the Ashes series such as Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan, facing Hull KR’s England trio: Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess.

Significance of the Event

"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." – Nigel Wood, chair of RL Commercial

"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."

Event Highlights

Hull KR’s first time hosting the World Club Challenge.
Brisbane Broncos making their debut appearance in Hull.
Strong presence of high-profile players from both teams.

This event underlines Hull’s rising prominence in Rugby League and showcases international rivalry that boosts the sport's global appeal.

Author’s summary: Hull will host the 2026 World Club Challenge as Hull KR faces Brisbane Broncos, marking a historic occasion with top players from both hemispheres competing in a landmark event for the city.

Insider Media — 2025-11-06