Hull KR are crowned 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge Champions

The 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge produced a famous night at the MKM Stadium, as Hull KR defeated the Brisbane Broncos 30–24 to claim the title for the first time in the club’s history and make it three wins in a row for the Super League sides.

A true classic rolled out on Thursday evening, with the treble-winning Robins making a dream start against the NRL Premiers, as the ‘Clash of the Champions’ entertained 24,500 spectators in Hull – the city’s first ever hosting of a World Club Challenge.

A night they will never forget ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/yeBs6TRr7E

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 19, 2026

Gehamat Shibasaki manage to muster a response for the visitors, but an energetic Robins outfit were firmly in control by the break, with an 18-4 lead.

The second half initially followed the same pattern, with further tries from Oli Gildart and Peta Hiku, stretching the score to an astonishing 30–4 and seemingly putting the contest beyond doubt.

However, a dramatic late comeback from Michael Maguire’s Broncos shell-shocked the home side and the thousands watching on.

Bursting into life, Brisbane showed their word class with a ferocious late rally, scoring four tries in 16 minutes through Patrick Carrigan, Deine Mariner, Shibasaki’s second and Kotoni Staggs.

Three missed conversions for skipper Adam Reynolds would eventually prove costly, however.

Tension swept through the stadium, and in a real nail-biter of a finish, the Robins held out in emphatic fashion to become just the sixth English club to win the competition.

Your 2026 @Betfred World Club Champions, @hullkrofficial ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/2QV2CLUuOo

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 19, 2026

Jez Litten’s influential display earned him Player of the Match, whilst the victory marked a landmark achievement for Hull KR and another significant statement for Super League on the world stage.

Hull KR now hold all four major trophies, following the footsteps of Wigan Warriors in their quadruple-winning 2024 season, and have become the first side to achieve this over two seasons since St Helens in 2006-2007 and Bradford Bulls in 2003-2004.

Watch the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge highlights here.

Find out more about the World Club Challenge here.