Hull to Host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge
Hull has been confirmed as the venue for the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The match will take place at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
Teams Competing
The 2025 Betfred Super League champions, Hull KR, will face the NRL Telstra Premiership winners, Brisbane Broncos.
Key Players to Watch
- Australian stars from the Ashes series such as Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan will return to the UK for this event.
- Hull KR’s English trio Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess are also set to take part.
Comments from Rugby League Officials
Nigel Wood, chair of RL Commercial, said: "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 match marks a significant occasion as Hull KR makes its debut in hosting the World Club Challenge and highlights the continuing strength of the Anglo-Australian Rugby League rivalry.
Summary: Hull KR's rapid rise has earned them a historic first-time hosting of the World Club Challenge against the established Brisbane Broncos, spotlighting key international players in a major Rugby League event.