Hull to Host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge
Hull has officially been selected to host the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The 2025 Betfred Super League champions Hull KR will take on the NRL’s Telstra Premiership winners, Brisbane Broncos, at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
This match will bring some of Australia’s Ashes stars, including Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan, back to the UK to play against Hull KR’s England players Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess.
“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
Wood also noted that Hull KR will become just the sixth British club to play in the World Club Challenge, highlighting it as a reward for their remarkable development. He added that the Brisbane Broncos are one of Australia’s most iconic teams, known for their commitment to international Rugby League. Their upcoming trip north will mark their first-ever appearance in Hull.
Author’s Summary
Hull will host the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge as Hull KR face Brisbane Broncos, marking a milestone event celebrating Rugby League’s international rivalry.