The rugby league world turned its eyes to Hull on February 19, 2026, as Hull Kingston Rovers (Hull KR) and the Brisbane Broncos clashed in a dramatic World Club Challenge at the MKM Stadium. In a night packed with history, controversy, and raw emotion, Hull KR emerged as the 2026 World Club Challenge winners, edging the Broncos 30-24 in a ten-try thriller that will be talked about for years to come.
This match marked the long-awaited return of the World Club Challenge, a fixture that had been played only twice since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and scheduling complications. Previous editions saw English sides St Helens and Wigan Warriors claim victory, but the 2025 event was scrapped after the Penrith Panthers withdrew, leaving fans hungry for the contest’s return. They got their wish this year, and what a spectacle it was.
Hull KR, making their debut in the showcase event, faced the NRL’s reigning champions, the Brisbane Broncos. The Broncos, seeking their third World Club Challenge title after triumphs in 1992 and 1997, traveled to England with a near full-strength squad. Their determination was clear, but Hull KR, fresh from a treble-winning 2025 season (Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Super League Grand Final), were equally motivated to add another jewel to their crown.
The build-up to the match was filled with drama. Originally, the game was set to be played at Hull KR’s home ground, Craven Park, but its 11,000 capacity was deemed insufficient for such a high-profile event. Instead, the teams crossed city lines to the 25,000-seat MKM Stadium, home of Hull FC and the local Championship football club. The decision stirred controversy among fans but was ultimately made to maximize attendance and keep the game in Hull. There were even lucrative, six-figure offers from Qatar to host the match in the Middle East, but these were turned down in favor of Hull KR’s commitment to play Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas, as rugby league seeks to grow its US audience. Attempts to move the game to Brisbane were scuppered, of all things, by Ed Sheeran’s concert booking at Suncorp Stadium. If you wanted a match with a backstory, this was it!
As kickoff approached, both sides received welcome news on the selection front. Hull KR’s halfback Mikey Lewis was cleared to play after avoiding a ban for a recent on-field incident, and the Broncos’ Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt overcame pre-season injuries to take their places. The stage was set for an unforgettable clash, with fans tuning in live across the globe on Fox League and Kayo.
From the opening whistle, Hull KR seized the initiative. The Robins stormed to a 30-4 lead, with tries from Amone, Minchella, Burgess, Gildart, and Hiku sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Their first-half performance was described by Sky Sports Rugby League’s Jon Wilkin as “a masterclass in big-game rugby.” Wilkin added, “Hull KR weren’t to be beaten. They had front‑loaded so much of their effort into a stunning first‑half performance. It put Brisbane in a position where they simply couldn’t get into the game.”
But the Broncos are never a side to roll over. True to their reputation for second-half comebacks, Brisbane mounted a ferocious fightback with tries from Carrigan, Mariner, Shibasaki, and Staggs. As the clock ticked down, the momentum shifted and the tension inside MKM Stadium reached fever pitch. Hull KR, showing signs of fatigue, were forced to dig deep and defend for their lives. The Broncos closed the gap to just six points with minutes remaining, and it seemed as though a dramatic comeback might be on the cards.
Yet, Hull KR’s defense held firm in the dying moments. A crucial knock-on by Brisbane’s Walsh in the final minute sealed the result, and the roar from the Hull KR faithful could be heard across the city. The final whistle confirmed Hull KR as 2026 World Club Challenge winners, with a 30-24 victory that capped a remarkable journey for the club.
The post-match scenes were a testament to the significance of the achievement. Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella lifted the trophy aloft amid jubilant celebrations. Speaking to Sky Sports+, Minchella reflected on the team’s resilience: “First half was great. We stuck to what we wanted to do. We knew they would have a say in the game, we were hoping it wouldn’t be as big a say as they did have! They’re a champion team but we just found a way to win. Technically we were awful but the heart and desire was unbelievable.”
Jez Litten, named player of the match, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the wider importance of the result: “It’s unbelievable. That was one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been involved in. Everyone dug deep for each other. It was a pleasure to play with these lads against a team like that, scrambling the way we did, it was unbelievable. I’m proud to have done this for the English game. We always get a bit of stick off the Aussies, but we’re proud over here. We play a strong brand of rugby, and this is about more than just us – it’s for all of English rugby.”
Mikey Lewis, who played at fullback despite limited experience, was candid about his journey: “You know what, it was a stupid thing I did [against York Knights]. I let my team-mates down. I told Willie, that is the kind of relationship we have. I paid my price, a big fine. And I just said to the boys I wanted to earn their trust back. It’s ridiculous what I did, I let the whole club down. It’s something I needed to get out of my game fast, and there was no better way of doing that than tonight. I’ve not played fullback many times, not pretty performances but I’ll try my best. I’ll do any for this team and club, I’d die for this club. I just love everyone to pieces.”
For Hull KR, this victory was more than just another trophy. It marked their arrival on the world stage and capped a period of unprecedented success for the club. For the sport of rugby league, the return of the World Club Challenge in such dramatic fashion was a timely reminder of its unique appeal and the passion it inspires.
As the dust settles in Hull, the Robins can savor their place in history as world champions, having overcome adversity, controversy, and a late Broncos surge. English rugby league fans, and indeed all lovers of the game, will be talking about this night for a long time to come.