Hull to host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge

Hull has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The match will take place at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Teams Competing

2025 Betfred Super League champions: Hull KR
NRL's Telstra Premiership winners: Brisbane Broncos

Key Players to Watch

The event will see Australian stars from the Ashes series such as Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan return to the UK. They will face Hull KR's England trio of Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess.

RL Commercial Chair Remarks

"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."

This match highlights Hull's growing status in Rugby League and promises an exciting clash between top British and Australian clubs.

Author’s summary: Hull KR’s rapid rise in Rugby League is rewarded with hosting the 2026 World Club Challenge against the iconic Brisbane Broncos, showcasing top talent from both hemispheres.

Insider Media — 2025-11-06