Robins to Face Broncos in 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge
Rugby League Commercial has confirmed that the Betfred World Club Challenge will return in 2026, with Hull KR hosting the Brisbane Broncos at the MKM Stadium. The match will feature the 2025 champions of the Betfred Super League and the NRL’s Telstra Premiership.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, and will mark a swift return to the UK for some Australian Ashes series stars, including Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan. They will go head-to-head against Hull KR’s England trio: Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess.
Statement from Nigel Wood OBE, Chair of RL Commercial
“We are delighted that Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos have confirmed the return of the Betfred World Club Challenge in 2026. Rugby League’s Anglo-Australian rivalry extends the sport’s reach to a broader audience, as demonstrated in the current Ashes series, and it’s fantastic to see the World Club Challenge heading to the great Rugby League city of Hull for the first time. Hull KR will become only the sixth British club to earn the privilege of playing in the World Club Challenge, a fitting reward for their significant progress in recent years. They could have no more attractive opposition than Brisbane Broncos, one of the most iconic names in Australian sport.”
The event highlights the growing prominence of Hull KR and strengthens international Rugby League ties between the UK and Australia.
Key Players to Watch
- Australian Stars: Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, Patrick Carrigan
- Hull KR England Trio: Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Joe Burgess
Author’s summary: The 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge will feature a highly anticipated clash between Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos, showcasing international Rugby League talent and celebrating Hull’s rise in the sport.