World Club Challenge 2026 – preview, predictions and tips

Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos – MKM Stadium, Hull, Thursday 19th February, 7.30pm

After a one-year absence, the WCC is back this year when Super League champions Hull KR take on NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos.

Let’s get straight into it and see what we can look forward to this Thursday…

Head-to-head

This will be the first time Hull KR have played Brisbane Broncos.

The Robins are aiming to win their first ever World Club Challenge, while the Broncos are looking for their third success, and their first since 1997.

Form guide

Hull KR suffered a shock 19-18 defeat to newly-promoted York Knights in their Super League opener last Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Broncos’ NRL campaign hasn’t got underway yet, so their last game was the Grand Final in October, when they got the better of Melbourne Storm.

Hull KR – players to watch

Mikey Lewis has been cleared to play after a silly trip against York last week, and Rovers will need him to be at his best if they’re to overcome the Broncos. Lewis was a key part of the treble-winning team last year, he won the Man of Steel in 2024, and he’s established himself in the England squad. This week he’s up against some of the best players in the world, so it’s a big test for him to showcase what he’s capable of.

Tyrone May will line up alongside Lewis in the halves, and he’s one of just a handful of Robins players with NRL experience. In fact, the 29-year-old won a Premiership during his time at the Panthers, so he knows better than most of his teammates what it takes to beat the best sides in the world, and that experience will be crucial for Rovers.

Brisbane Broncos – players to watch

Reece Walsh is probably the best player in the world right now, with the Broncos fullback cementing his status during Brisbane’s run to the Grand Final and Australia’s 3-0 Ashes whitewash. If the Robins are to win this week, they’ll have to stop him getting up a head of steam, as he can tear any team in the world to shreds with his running game.

If Walsh is the best back in the game, then Payne Haas is arguably the best forward. The giant prop will be heading to South Sydney in 2027, but there’s still plenty to do before that happens – namely becoming a World Club Champion and retaining the NRL Premiership in 2026.

Hull KR squad

Hull KR have named their strongest possible 17. Mikey Lewis has been cleared to play after avoiding suspension for a trip in Round One, while Tom Amone comes into the side for his debut.

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Brisbane Broncos squad

Billy Walters is the only notable absentee from the Broncos’ travelling squad, as he continues to recover from an ACL injury. Grant Anderson and Aublix Tawha could make their Brisbane debuts after arriving from Melbourne and the Dolphins respectively.

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Prediction

Hull KR 8-22 Brisbane Broncos

I wasn’t sure which way to go before Hull KR’s Super League opener last week, but their loss to York hasn’t left me convinced of their chances in this game. Admittedly, it’s a completely different game and the Broncos might be rusty, but their class should shine through.

Betting tips

This game’s a minefield when it comes to betting. The Broncos are just 1/6 to win, so there’s no value in that. If you fancy an upset, Hull KR are 7/2.

Instead, I’ll be getting on Brisbane to win by 13+ points at 8/11, which still isn’t amazing value.

For a meatier price, the match winner/first tryscorer double looks better. I’ll be going with Deine Mariner and the Broncos at 8/1.

There’s no anytime tryscorer market right now, so I’m also looking at the 1st, 2nd or 3rd try market, and Reece Walsh looks a good shout at 23/10.