Michael Maguire hailed Hull KR following the epic World Club Challenge showdown.
Michael Maguire’s Brisbane Broncos fell short to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge.
Michael Maguire was quick to credit Hull KR and quicker still to dismiss any excuses after Brisbane Broncos fell short in the World Club Challenge.
After a historic 2025 campaign that delivered a clean sweep of trophies, Willie Peters’ Super League champions have now conquered the world, holding on for a 30-24 victory against Brisbane in front of a roaring MKM Stadium.
At 30-4, the Robins appeared home and dry, but Brisbane – who produced a stunning comeback in last year’s NRL Grand Final to defeat Melbourne Storm – mounted a second-half resurgence to reduce the deficit to 10 points in quick succession.
Kotoni Staggs crossed late to set up a grandstand finish, but time was in Hull KR ’s favour – and with all five of their own tries converted by Arthur Mourgue and Rhyse Martin. Rovers managed to hold on for a historic victory.
Brisbane, two-time previous World Club Challenge winners, have now finished runners-up in their past three appearances – and four times overall.
“First, I want to say congratulations to Hull KR,” Broncos boss Maguire said.
“They jumped out of the blocks, put pressure on us early and scored some tries. We didn’t go with them at the start. If you’re going to wait until the end of games over and over, eventually it’s going to hurt you. It’s something we need to sort out heading into the season.”
It marked Brisbane’s first competitive match of 2026, with the NRL season officially kicking off next week in Las Vegas. But Maguire refused to entertain any excuses. His squad arrived in England last week and prepared with first-class facilities, as well as opposed training sessions against London Broncos and Hull FC.
“I think that’s an excuse,” Maguire said. “We prepared well. This team practises hard and trains a certain way. Hull KR got us at the start. The atmosphere was incredible and they were up for it.”
Hull KR have now become just the fourth team of the modern era to hold all four major trophies simultaneously. And when asked whether he believed they could be competitive in the NRL, Maguire offered a pointed reply.
“They just beat us. I don’t want to make a comment on how they would go, but they’ve just beaten us. That probably tells a story.”