Brisbane will take on Hull Kingston Rovers in the World Club Challenge in late February with the NRL premiers confirming the return of the showpiece event.
Penrith opted not to play the battle between southern and northern hemisphere champions after winning the NRL title in 2024, but the Broncos have revived the concept.
They will travel to face the Super League champions at Hull’s MKM Stadium in northern England on February 20 (AEDT).
The match has been moved away from Hull KR’s home ground which only has a capacity of 11,000.
It’s been more than 30-years since the Broncos have won the World Club Challenge, with the fixture marking a significant milestone for Hull KR, who will face an Australian opposition for the first time in 40 years.
The match will be the third Challenge in the past six years with the Panthers pulling out last year due to their NRL clash with the Sharks in Las Vegas.
The 2020 (Storm – St Helens) and 2021 (Panthers – St Helens) clashes were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While some NRL coaches have been concerned about adding to their players’ workload, Brisbane coach Michael Maguire felt it would be a good bonding time for the group.
“It’s a very 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 in a statement.
“Travelling and sharing this experience together will only build a stronger connection between the group and that will prepare us for what’s ahead in 2026.
“As a club, we are very motivated to bring the World Club trophy home to Brisbane, just like we did with the NRL and NRLW premierships.”
The match will give English fans another opportunity to see Reece Walsh in action, with the Broncos superstar dominating with the Kangaroos in the current Ashes series.
Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin expected a sell-out at the 25,000-seat stadium, saying there were offers from around the world to host the match but he felt the Robins’ fans should be rewarded.
“Allowing 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,” Lakin said.
