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2026 World Club Challenge Preview

18 Feb 2026

Two worlds collide in the ‘Clash of the Champions’ as Betfred World Club Challenge returns
Betfred Super League Champions Hull KR host the NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos
Live on BBC Three, Sky Sports and SuperLeague+ this Thursday Night
Can the Super League sides make it three World Club wins in a row?

The World Club Challenge is back!

2026 sees reigning Betfred Super League Champions and treble-winners Hull KR host NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos this Thursday (19 February) at the MKM Stadium in a hotly anticipated ‘Clash of the Champions.’

Tickets for the city of Hull’s first World Club Challenge were in high demand with all 24,600 selling out almost in an instant, becoming the fastest selling World Club Challenge on record.

Expect fireworks in Thursday’s cross-hemisphere showdown, but who will be crowned World Club Champions?

Clash of the Champions ???

The Betfred World Club Challenge comes to Hull this Thursday ?#UpTheRobins??? pic.twitter.com/jONnDOzasZ
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) February 15, 2026

Background:

Hull KR defeated Wigan Warriors 24-6 in the Betfred Super League Grand Final in to become Champions in October, whilst Brisbane Broncos emerged victorious over Melbourne Storm in the NRL Grand Final, 26-22.

Whilst the Robins became just the fifth team to ever lift the Super League trophy, the Broncos’ victory marked their first premiership title since 2006 and seventh in total.

In turn, this has set up an enticing and mouthwatering ‘Clash of the Champions.’

It’s a World Club Challenge debut for Hull KR, with this fixture marking a significant milestone for the club who face Australian opposition for the first time in 40 years.

Meanwhile, Brisbane are searching for a third World Club Challenge title, having won this in 1992 and 1997.

They are no strangers to the competition, having been runners-up three times too – most recently in 2007 against St Helens.

It’s the Super League sides have the spoils over the last two meetings – with both Wigan Warriors and the Saints claiming emphatic World Club Challenge wins in 2024 and 2023 against Penrith Panthers.

And the previous two contests haven’t disappointed and have both been determined by the finest of margins. A dramatic Lewis Dodd drop goal secured Saints a historic victory Down Under, whilst Jake Wardle’s match-winner and Taylan May’s disallowed try saw the Warriors edge a thriller on home soil, lifting the trophy a record-equalling fifth time.

Australian teams have won seven of the last ten World Club Challenge meetings, however, with Brisbane keen to stop Super League from winning three in a row.

Their head coach Michael Maguire has had a foot in both winning and losing a World Club Challenge, therefore has crucial first-hand knowledge of the competition. Whilst his former side Wigan lost 21-15 away at St George Illawarra Dragons in 2010, he did enjoy a record World Club Challenge win as the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ boss in 2015, with a 39-0 victory over Saints.

But as Australia’s assistant coach in the ABK Beer Ashes Series last autumn, Hull KR’s Willie Peters will be able to offer some expertise and learnings of his own…

What it’s all about ?

Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos are in the house ???#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/XpkZPzC9FL
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) February 15, 2026

Hull KR:

Hull KR are the ones to beat in 2025, as they look to follow in similar footsteps to the Warriors and obtain all four trophies.

If they were to win on Thursday Night, they would become the fourth team in the Super League era to hold all four trophies at any one time, after Bradford Bulls in 2003/2004, St Helens in 2006/2007 and the Warriors in 2024.

The Robins were in dreamland last year. Peters’ men dominated the Super League, winning 22 out of 27, and scooped up all three pieces of silverware on offer.

Hull KR lifted their first Challenge Cup trophy since 1980 back in June, before going on to lift their first ever League Leaders’ Shield in the modern era and rounded off an outstanding season at the Theatre of Dreams, where they defeated former champions and top two rivals, Wigan.

They will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in 2026, with the Robins aiming to prove they aren’t just one-season wonders.

They should be set for another scintillating campaign, although did endure a shaky start in Round 1 when they were shocked by the newly promoted York Knights in Thursday’s season opener.

The Robins will have to put that game quickly to bed, however, with Brisbane roaming on home territory.

Can they get their first ever World Club Challenge win and make it three in a row for Super League?

Remarkably, Hull KR will become only the sixth British club to take part in this fixture, while the MKM Stadium will become the 15th venue to host a World Club Challenge.

Robins' Ones to watch

Mikey Lewis is Hull KR’s main star. He is the heart and soul of Hull KR’s attack – central to creating magic moments and masterfully pulling the strings in the halves.

On a weekly basis Lewis steers the treble-winners and has been responsible for shaping some crucial victories for the Robins in the past, with his creativity, kicking game and pace proving extremely problematic his defenders.

There’s a reason he finished 2024 as the Man of Steel and was a runner-up for the award again in 2025. And he scooped up the second ever Rob Burrow Award for his dazzling display in the Grand Final.

With his fiery nature and passion, Lewis is expected to step up on Thursday Night when he takes to the big stage once more.

He’s certainly got the experience of playing in important games and will look to test himself against the very best – especially when he goes head-to-head with the likes of Reece Walsh.

Leader and skipper Elliot Minchella is bound to give it his all. His work rate is relentless, and he will be a massive motivator for his teammates both on and off the field.

Expect reliable Jez Litten to be at the heart of the action with quick scoots, passes and a solid and dedicated defensive effort. Litten has had a brilliant journey to becoming one of the Super League competition’s best nines and was rewarded with an England debut in the recent Ashes Series.

Three current Robins players have competed in a World Club Challenge before that will offer experience to the rest of the side as their preparations continue. Both Joe Burgess and Oliver Gildart were on the winning Wigan side in 2017 when they defeated Cronulla Sharks, 22-6.

In fact, Burgess scored a hat-trick which helped inspire his former club to this huge victory. Arguably, fans are witnessing the very best of the winger at present, and the dynamic duo of Burgess and Gildart could happen to be the difference in Thursday’s game.

It's also going to be Burgess' 250th career appearance - a special milestone for the 31-year-old.

The spine continues to boast terrific talent with Tom Davies as another example, who lined up in Wigan’s World Club Challenge loss to Sydney Roosters back in 2019.

It’s all built on an impressive pack which lay the foundation and this year that will include the explosive Tom Amone, who is set to make his Hull KR debut on Thursday – with a point to prove.

Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane Broncos are currently the best in the Southern Hemisphere and came out winners in a Grand Final of the ages.

They defeated Melbourne Storm 26-22 in a truly breath-taking finale, going on to secure their first premiership in 19 years.

It was gripping and see-sawing game which saw the Broncos come from 22-12 down to lead by four points, with the final 20 minutes a sensational nail-biter.

Reece Walsh’s role proved pivotal, with his solo score along with Deine Mariner and Gehamat Shibasaki doubles guiding Brisbane to a famous win, and in turn ending Penrith Panthers’ dynasty of four premierships in a row.

79807284_BRONCOS TROPHY_251005_MK_00727_202510520351

Maguire’s Brisbane outfit are star-studded and should not be underestimated on Thursday Night by any means.

The Broncos landed in the UK over a week ago and have been based in the capital city at The Lensbury in Teddington. They recently took part in a training session with London Broncos, before seeing the sights, and have recently travelled up and started to familiarise themselves with the Hull area.

On Tuesday, they were involved in another training session – this time with Hull KR’s inner-city rivals Hull FC, as their battle for the global crown fast approaches.

Stars on show ?

???? #COYH | @brisbanebroncos pic.twitter.com/yJqtrFWv9v
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 17, 2026

1992 was the only time the Broncos have ever beaten a team on English soil in a World Club Challenge (Wigan, 22-8 at Central Park), so it’s a long time coming in their eyes.

Broncos' Ones to watch

Everyone is talking about star boy Reece Walsh. Fans were in awe at his electrifying NRL Grand Final masterclass, where he was deservedly awarded the Clive Churchill Medal and rose to fame from this point on.

Walsh’s role included saving tries, scoring tries and setting up tries – and he had a hand in four of them on that night, paving the way for his side to make an emphatic comeback.

The 23-year-old also made a name for himself in Australia's 3-0 Ashes series win as he made a perfect international debut; going on to become adored by an entire nation for his infectious energy and aura.

Walsh lit up Wembley in the opening test, crossing for two tries and coming up with two major defensive contributions – a performance which saw him pick up Player of the Match.

It’s clear Walsh has a gift and has already showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. As someone capable of producing moments of individual brilliance that can swing momentum, bursts of speed and endless skill that can unlock defences, excite fans and define the outcome of any contest, Walsh is a key one to watch on Thursday.

79806041_Walsh,R Clive Chirchill Medal winner _251005_GP_11125_20251051945 (1)

Walsh aside, the Broncos is littered with superstars.

Fellow Australian international, Patrick Carrigan’s, leadership will be undoubtedly influential as the fierce and tireless forward he is.

Likewise, Samoan powerhouse Payne Haas, who is one of the NRL’s most dominant props, should set the tone with his powerful carries and monster tackles. His physical presence is going to be extremely valuable for the Broncos.

Interestingly, only one player in the entire Brisbane squad has ever featured in a World Club Challenge before and that’s veteran half-back and captain Adam Reynolds.

A seasoned Reynolds is renowned for his excellent game management, as well as a cool head and calm decision-making under pressure. He has played a significant role in his club’s rise to the top once more.

It's going to be extra special for Reynolds who recently announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2026 season, so he'll want to make his last ride with the Broncos one to remember.