Hull to Host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge
Hull has been officially selected to host the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The 2025 Betfred Super League champions Hull KR will compete against the NRL’s Telstra Premiership winners, Brisbane Broncos, at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
This much-anticipated clash will mark a swift return to the UK for Australian stars from the recent Ashes series, including Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan. They will face Hull KR’s English trio 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."
"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."
Background and Significance
- This will be the first time the World Club Challenge takes place in Hull.
- Hull KR’s participation marks a major milestone, as they join only five other British clubs to have earned the honor.
- The match underscores the growing collaboration between British and Australian Rugby League communities.
Author’s Summary
The 2026 World Club Challenge in Hull will unite champions from two premier rugby leagues, highlighting both cities’ sporting spirit and international cooperation.