One of the greatest World Club Challenge blockbusters!
Hull KR captain Elliot MInchella celebrates scoring a try against Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.
Hull KR etched their name into rugby league folklore with one of the greatest victories in World Club Challenge history, withstanding the comeback kings of the NRL, Brisbane Broncos, for a thrilling 30-24 triumph.
After conquering the northern hemisphere in 2025 with a historic treble, the Robins had to survive an almighty second half scare to become just the fourth team in the Super League era to hold all four major trophies at once.
Leading 30-4 on the hour mark, Hull KR looked set to cruise to world domination. But Brisbane – who produced a legendary comeback against Melbourne Storm in one of the great NRL Grand Finals last year – stormed back with four late tries to set up a stunning finale.
Willie Peters’ side, roared on by a record sell-out crowd at the MKM Stadium, held on with five of their own scores enough to defeat the NRL heavyweights.
Brisbane were forced into an early reshuffle when prop Corey Jensen failed a head injury assessment within minutes of kick-off.
Hull KR immediately capitalised. Powerhouse prop Tom Amone marked his debut in style, grounding a Tyrone May kick inside five minutes. The 2023 Dream Team forward returning from a broken hand suffered in pre-season.
The early score rocked the travelling NRL champions, and the lead was soon doubled when captain Elliot Minchella muscled over from close range with three defenders clinging to him.
The Robins were in dreamland at 18-0 when Joe Burgess crossed, leaving Brisbane – and NRL poster boy Reece Walsh – shellshocked. The visitors responded before the break through Gehamat Shibasaki to keep their hopes alive.
With 14 of last year’s 17 Grand Final players in their ranks, a second half resurgence always felt possible for Michael Maguire’s side.
Any lingering doubt appeared to vanish when Oliver Gildart – a World Club Challenge winner with Wigan in 2017 alongside Burgess – and Peta Hiku crossed within the opening 15 minutes to stretch the lead further to 30-4.
Yet Brisbane refused to relent. Patrick Carrigan struck first to spark belief, before Deine Mariner and Shibasaki added further tries to stun the Super League champions and ignite memories of past heroics.
Hull KR eventually regained their composure, digging deep with desperate defence and sheer willpower. Still, the drama was not over at 30-20.
Centre Kotoni Staggs silenced the stadium when he crossed in the 76th minute, narrowing the gap and setting up a grandstand finish.
But time ran out on the Broncos’ charge. Inspired by standout performances from Jez Litten and Dean Hadley, Hull KR held on to be crowned world champions. Conversions by Arthur Mourgue – who was forced off through injury in the first half – and Rhyse Martin proving the crucial difference.
For Brisbane – two time World Club Challenge winners previously – it marks a third successive World Club Challenge defeat, following previous losses in 2001 and 2007 against St Helens.