The Brisbane Broncos are reportedly set to expand their $81 million brand into the billion-dollar Middle East on the back of their drought-breaking 2025 premiership win.
The Courier Mail reported the Broncos were invited by Arabian government officials to play Super League Champions Hull KR in the Middle East in what could potentially have been the richest rugby league game ever.
Watch The Ashes 2025/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Brisbane were close to sealing a historic proposal to play the 2026 World Club Challenge on February 19 in the Middle East.
The Arabian government were reportedly prepared to pay up to $1.5 million for the Broncos to come to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates potentially hosting the event.
However, the deal fell over due to logistical issues with Hull KR also playing in Las Vegas in the NRL’s season opening weekend.
But the Broncos are still keen to tap into the interest from the Middle East and take their brand global in the future.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy confirmed the club remains open to exploring the Middle East market after the invitation to play Hull KR in Saudi Arabia, Qatar or the UAE.
“It would have been the richest rugby league game in the world,” Donaghy told The Courier Mail.
MORE NRL NEWS
NOV 1 LIVE: Origin star set for Cowboys exit; Raiders poach another Broncos gun
‘WHAT ARE THE SOOKING ABOUT?’: Broncos boss fires back at Raiders’ claims
‘WE NEED MORE’: Flanno earmarks shock Red V halves combo for ‘26
The Broncos are open to playing a game in the Middle East in the future.Source: Supplied
“The Middle East approach came directly to us after the grand final (against the Storm).
“The World Club Challenge is quite unique, it’s two teams coming together to agree on the terms.
“The NRL and Super League are across it and help provide some facilitation but it’s one of those unique properties where clubs can provide some direction.
‘Made the right decision’ DCE | 00:48
“We had an approach from a Middle Eastern venue that put forward an offer for us to play there. We were certainly interested.”
The Broncos are open to playing the World Club Challenge or even an NRL game in the Middle East in the future.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to achieve it because of their commitments with Vegas, but it shows there is an appetite for rugby league from new markets,” Donaghy said.
Tedesco re-signs with Roosters | 00:36
“In time, I’m sure it’s something the game would love to consider (playing NRL matches overseas).
“There is a lot of excitement in Brisbane around the Broncos which is something we don’t take for granted, but the opportunity to take the World Club Challenge to new markets has put the Broncos on a world stage.”