The best of Super League and the best of the NRL will meet on Thursday in a unique World Club Challenge showdown that will not only anoint Hull KR or Brisbane Broncos as the best club in rugby league, but will also decide whether the UK, France or Australia will have bragging rights over the next 12 months.
The Robins won the domestic treble of the Super League title, League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup last season but began the new campaign with a shock defeat at the hands of top-flight debutants York. They started the opener poorly, as if all they had to do was show up, but they recovered and led 18-6 with half an hour left, which was when Mikey Lewis lost his mind.
Hull KR’s talismanic halfback, who won the Rob Burrow Award for his performance in the 2025 Super League Grand Final, kicked Liam Harris to trip him and was duly dismissed. Willie Peters’ men lost 19-18. And that shouldn’t have been the end for Lewis. A trip is an automatic red card and a ban, but authorities have been extremely lenient on the 24-year-old.
That said, the last time he shared the field with an Australian team, he would have preferred to be anywhere else. The Kangaroos annihilated England in their own backyard in the Rugby League Ashes two months ago, and Lewis was singled out for particularly vociferous criticism from his own supporters.
The star of the series was Broncos fullback Reece Walsh, who had previously taken the Clive Churchill Medal for his man-of-the-match performance in the 2025 NRL Grand Final, although Patrick Carrigan, Gehamat Shibasaki and Kotoni Staggs also had fun in the three-game thrashing.
The previous two editions of the World Club Challenge were won by Super League teams, putting the northern hemisphere 15-14 overall, although the timing of the clash is designed that way. The Bronx have only had one game to prepare for, against regional Queensland Cup team the Sunshine Coast Falcons, and have had to forego the NRL pre-season.
Keep reading below for our guide on where to watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos on TV and get Free broadcasts of the 2026 Super League online.
Watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos for FREE
How to watch any Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos stream using a VPN
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How to watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos live streams in the US
In the US, Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos will air on Fox Soccer Plus on a delayed basis, at 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT on Thursday, February 19.
If you don’t have the cable channel, Fox Soccer Plus is available through the International Sports Plus add-on on Fubo TV. Plans start at $84.99/month after a FREE 7-day trial, although new users get $20 off the first month. The add-on costs an additional $6.99.
Visiting the US from the UK? Wear NordVPN to watch BBC iPlayer’s free coverage of the World Club Challenge.
How to watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos live streams in the UK
Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos TV coverage is on BBC Three, while you can also stream it live and on-demand through the free service BBC iPlayer website and mobile application.
The World Club Challenge will also be presented by sky sportsthrough the Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+ channels.
Sky Sports plans start from £35 a month or £20 if you’re an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, get a subscription to Now Sports from £14.99 a day or £34.99 a month.
if you are outside the uk but you want to take advantage of your usual coverage, consult NordVPN and follow the instructions above.
BBC iPlayer is a free service, but you need to be in possession of a valid UK TV license to use it, as it also covers the consumption of live digital content.
How to watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos live streams in Australia
In Australia, Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos airs on Fox Sports via Foxtelwith live streaming available via Kayo Sports.
Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.
Out of Australia at the moment? Wear NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the World Club Challenge.
How to watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos live streams in Canada
The World Club Challenge, along with over 170 Super League matches, are available to watch on Sportsnet Plus in Canada, but only through the Premium plan, which costs CAD 42.99 per month or CAD 324.99 per year.
A VPN will help you get connected if you’re Canadian traveling abroad. NordVPN is our recommended provider and you can find out why with our in-depth NordVPN review.
What is the start time of the World Club Challenge 2026?
Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos is scheduled to kick off at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT / 7:30pm GMT on Thursday, February 19. That’s at 6:30am AEDT on Friday 20 February in Australia.
Can I watch Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone.
You can also stay up to date with all things Super League on the official social media channels on Instagram (@SuperLeague), YouTube (@SLhighlights) and Facebook (@RLSuperLeague).
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