Brisbane Broncos vs Hull KR Prediction – World Club Challenge 2026

The Brisbane Broncos and Hull Kingston Rovers are set to do battle for the title of “World Champions” when they meet in the 2026 World Club Challenge later this month.

While the Broncos enjoyed a remarkable last season revival to power to the 2025 NRL title and book their place in this match, their opponents dominated the Super League from the offset last term.

Under coach Willie Peters, the Robins achieved a remarkable treble, winning the Super League, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders' Shield.

This success marked a seismic shift in the Super League landscape, breaking the long-standing dominance of clubs like Wigan, St Helens, and Leeds.

Hull will be looking to seal the box set of all four trophies available to a Super League side in a single season here, but make no mistake, this is not simply another exhibition match for the Broncos, and we doubt they will be willing to go quietly.

As a result, Michael Maguire has named a full strength squad to travel abroad, headlined by grand final hero Reece Walsh, retiring captain Adam Reynolds, and powerhouse forward Patrick Carrigan and the soon-to-be departing Payne Haas.

Can this stacked setup from the Sunshine State see off the Robins in the miserable conditions the UK has to offer at this time of year?

Or will Hull slip and slide their way to a historic World Club Challenge victory? Let’s find out.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the 2026 World Club Challenge, check out our Brisbane Broncos vs Hull KR tips and predictions below.

 

Brisbane Broncos vs Hull KR Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

For the Broncos, this match represents a chance at redemption. The team has a storied history in the World Club Challenge, with victories in 1992 and 1997, but heartbreak in 2001 and 2007 against St Helens.

Now, almost two decades later, the Broncos are determined to reclaim the title and erase the sting of past defeats and are heavily favoured to do so.

If Broncos want to live up their billing as substantial favourites, they will need to adapt quickly to the cold northern hemisphere conditions, a challenge that has historically troubled Australian teams. 

The all-conquering Panthers couldn’t get it done in Wigan’s blistering conditions back in 2024 and it has been six years since an NRL club won on English soil.

This paired with Hull's recent 104-0 hit out against Lock Lane gives punters good reason to back the underdog English side.

However, we’re sticking strong with the Broncs, who have served up nothing but irresistible footy since August last year and are technically still on a seven-game winning streak, dating back to then.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos.

 

First Tryscorer Prediction

There’s a number of intriguing options for first try scorer in the 2026 Club World Challenge, but after combing through both squads, we’ve zeroed in on a pair of grand final heroes.

Reece Walsh was the star of the show as the Broncos beat the Storm in last year’s decider and was rightfully awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his efforts.

Hull half Mikey Lewis did likewise for his side, claiming the Rob Burrow Medal for best on ground as his team triumphed over Wigan in the Super League’s big dance.

Both are explosive attacking players who live to run the footy at staggered defensive lines and in broken play. If we had to pick one though, Lewis on his own patch appears very appealing. Look to him to make a statement here early for underdogs Hull.

Betting tip: Mikey Lewis.

 

Brisbane Broncos vs Hull KR Squads

 

Broncos World Club Challenge Squad

Grant Anderson

Patrick Carrigan

Jack Gosiewski

Payne Haas

Ben Hunt

Jaiyden Hunt

Corey Jensen

Josiah Karapani

Ezra Mam

Deine Mariner

Blake Mozer

Cory Paix

Adam Reynolds

Jordan Riki

Gehamat Shibasaki

Kotoni Staggs

Ben Talty

Aublix Tawha

Reece Walsh

Xavier Willison

 

Hull World Club Challenge Squad

Arthur Mourgue

Tom Davies

Peta Hiku

Oliver Gildart

Joe Burgess

Mikey Lewis

Tyrone May

Sauaso Sue

Jez Litten

Tom Amone

Dean Hadley

James Batchelor

Elliot Minchella

Jack Broadbent

Sam Luckley

Jai Whitbread

Rhyse Martin

Jack Brown

Karl Lawton

Jordan Dezaria

Noah Booth

Bill Leyland

Lee Kershaw

Jack Charles

Louix Gorman

Harvey Horne

Leon Ruan

Zach Fishwick

Tom Whitehead

Cobie Wainhouse

Declan Murphy

Jumah Sambou

Frankie Dearlove

 

World Club Challenge Details

 

Date: Friday, February 20, 2026.

Kick-off: 5:30am AEST.

Location: MKM Stadium, Hull, England.