The World Club Challenge is reportedly back on after the Brisbane Broncos agreed to travel to England to face Super League Champions Hull KR in February.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Broncos have given the green light to taking on Hull Kingston Rovers in the World Club Challenge in 2026.
There were fears the annual grudge match between the NRL and Super League champions would be axed in back-to-back seasons due to Hull KR’s clash with Leeds in the Las Vegas season opening extravaganza.
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However, the Broncos have saved the concept from being canned again after they agreed to travel to the UK in February, despite the obvious logisitical problems ahead of their start to the NRL season.
The home ground of rivals Hull FC is likely to host the clash, which will crown the best rugby league club in the world.
MKM Stadium has a 25,000 capacity, while Hull KR have just 11,000 seats available for the contest.
The Broncos’ clash with Hull KR will be just the third World Club Challenge in the past six years, with the Panthers pulling out last year due to their clash with the Sharks in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the 2020 (Storm vs St Helens) and 2021 (Panthers vs St Helens) clashes were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Broncos are set to take on Hull KR in the World Club Challenge in February.Source: News Corp Australia
There were fears the proud concept founded in 1976 could be on its last legs amid the logistical challenges of fitting the clash between the two best teams of both hemispheres in the modern annual rugby league calendar.
The Broncos deserve plenty of credit for being willing to travel to the UK at a crucial time in their pre-season preparations for their NRL title defence.
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Broncos coach Michael Maguire hinted last month he would be keen to revive the World Club Challenge if a time could be found for the fixture that suited both clubs.
It will be the third time Maguire has coached in the World Club Challenge after coaching Wigan in 2012, who lost to the Dragons and the Rabbitohs in 2015, who beat St Helens.
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The match will see Maguire come up against impressive Hull KR coach Willie Peters, who has been mentioned as an NRL coach in waiting.
Meanwhile, England fans will also get another look at superstar Reece Walsh, who has been treated like a rock star on the Kangaroos’ Ashes tour.
The official announcement of the WCC fixture is expected later this week.