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Broncos Ultimate Redemption: Ending a 27-Year Wait!
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Brisbane Broncos Chase Glory in Hull as World Club Challenge Returns
The pinnacle of inter-hemispheric rugby league is back with a blockbuster clash! After a one-year hiatus, the World Club Challenge is set to electrify the city of Hull, England, on February 19, 2026, as the Super League’s Hull KR prepare to host the NRL’s Brisbane Broncos.
The prestigious annual match, which pits the champions of the European Super League against the titans of Australia’s NRL, was shelved in 2025. The cancellation occurred after the Penrith Panthers and Wigan Warriors failed to agree on a suitable date, leaving fans disappointed. Its return is now highly anticipated, promising a spectacular start to the new rugby league season.
In a move that highlights the massive demand for this fixture, Hull KR have decided to move the game from their traditional Craven Park home (capacity 12,000) to the larger MKM Stadium, the home of rivals Hull FC. With a capacity of over 25,000, the decision was made to ensure that as many supporters as possible can witness this historic event live.
Paul Lakin, the Chief Executive of Hull KR, expressed his delight at bringing the event to the city. “With offers from around the world to host the game, we are delighted to bring the World Club Challenge home to Hull,” Lakin stated. He added with ambitious vision, “We’re determined to put on the biggest rugby league event the city has ever seen.”
For the Brisbane Broncos, this match represents a monumental opportunity to reclaim a title that has eluded them for nearly three decades. The Broncos last won the World Club Challenge in 1997. Since then, they have watched other NRL powerhouses claim the crown. This year, they carry the weight of history and the expectations of a passionate fanbase, aiming to cement their legacy as a global rugby league force.
The Broncos’ head coach, Michael Maguire, is fully aware of the challenge and the honor that awaits his team. “It’s a special opportunity to take a group of players and staff across to the other side of the world to take on the Super League champions,” Maguire said. The long journey to England and the hostile home crowd will test the Broncos’ resolve, making a potential victory all the more rewarding.
This fixture is more than just a game; it’s a battle for international bragging rights and a chance to be crowned the undisputed best club team in the world. The rugby league world will be watching intently as Hull KR, the pride of East Hull, and the mighty Brisbane Broncos from Queensland write the next chapter in the World Club Challenge‘s storied history. Will the Broncos end their 27-year drought, or will Hull KR defend home turf and Super League honor? Mark your calendars for a colossal showdown.