One of the biggest cross-hemisphere showdowns in sport will be held at the MKM Stadium as the Rugby League World Club Challenge comes to Hull (UK) for the first time ever.
‘HULL CITY’ stated that the 2025 treble winners and fellow Hull side, Hull Kingston Rovers, will go head-to-head against the National Rugby League (NRL – the top professional Men’s rugby league competition in Australia and New Zealand) winners, Brisbane Broncos, in the ‘Clash of the Champions’ on February 19th, 2026.
The MKM Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Kingston upon Hull, England (UK). It has a current capacity of 25,586.
The Hull Kingston Rovers (often abbreviated as Hull KR) are a professional rugby league club based in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England (UK). The club compete in the Super League, the top tier of British rugby league.
‘HULL CITY’ further stated that it will be the first time in 40 years that ‘The Robins’ will face Australian opposition with some of England and Australia’s best talent going head-to-head in the ultimate showdown. The clash will see the likes of 2025 Man of Steel nominee, Mikey Lewis (English professional rugby league footballer) and England international, Jez Litten, facing Aussie internationals Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan.
Speaking on the upcoming clash, Hull KR Chief Executive, Paul Lakin said, “With offers from around the world to host the game we are delighted to bring the World Club Challenge home to Hull allowing the supporters, not just from the City but the whole region and beyond, the opportunity to see the world’s two best Rugby League sides go head-to-head. We’d like to place on record our thanks to the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL, the Rugby League Commercial and stadium hosts, SMC and Hull City, for their support in making the game happen. We’re determined to put on the biggest Rugby League event the City has ever seen with world class entertainment on and off the field at a soldout MKM Stadium.”
Added Dave Donaghy, Brisbane Broncos’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), “We’re delighted to bring the World Club Challenge back next year to kick off the rugby league calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Brisbane Broncos on the world stage and test ourselves against the champions of England, Hull KR. The players and staff are determined to represent Brisbane and our members in the best possible way – and to bring another trophy home. Taking the club back to England will be special.”
Speaking on behalf of the stadium management company (SMC), Joe Clutterbrook said, “We’re delighted to be hosting such a prestigious fixture. We’d like to thank and congratulate Neil, Paul and everyone at Hull KR for an incredible season and we look forward to working with them to deliver a fantastic event for the sport and the City.”
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