Hull Kingston Rovers (Hull KR) is setting its sights on a prestigious encounter against the Brisbane Broncos in the upcoming World Challenge. This historic match will see teams from the National Rugby League (NRL) and Super League clash, and Hull KR is eager to represent the Super League on this prominent stage.
Adam Peters, head coach of Hull KR, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “How cool is that? To be able to play in the game, we would be representing Super League, not just Hull KR – what a huge honour,” he stated. The Challenge trophy, currently held by the Wigan Warriors after their victory over the Penrith Panthers (16-12) in February 2024, is expected to return to the calendar after a scheduling gap in 2025. Both NRL and Super League officials are keen on reinstating the match as a highlight for rugby league fans.
In recent years, English teams have dominated the Challenge, with St Helens winning the title in 2023 against Penrith and the Sydney Roosters claiming victory in 2020 before the competition was interrupted by the pandemic. Now, discussions regarding a match in 2026 are anticipated as the two domestic seasons conclude. Peters noted that Hull KR would become the sixth British club to participate in this fixture in the last fifty years.
“The teams who have done it in the past have done it in the right way and we will go out to win that game no matter what – there’s no doubt about it,” Peters declared. His commitment to success is underscored as he prepares to assist Kevin Walters in coaching the Australian national team, known as the Kangaroos, in their quest for an Ashes title later this month.
The enthusiasm for the Challenge duel is palpable among the players as well. Jez Litten, a hooker for Hull KR and one of the try scorers in the final, shared his anticipation after witnessing the Broncos’ grand final victory over the Melbourne Storm. “Watching them, I can’t wait for Payne Haas to be running at me for 80 minutes,” he said with a smile. “It’s something we’ll go after if it’s the next trophy to win. It was inspiring to see Wigan beat Penrith, and we want to best showcase Super League. We’ll go after it.”
In addition to the World Challenge, Hull KR will also participate in a significant event in the United States in February 2025. They are set to join the Leeds Rhinos and four NRL teams—Canterbury-Bankstown, St George Illawarra, Newcastle, and North Queensland—in a high-profile showcase in Las Vegas.
As preparations ramp up for these exciting fixtures, Hull KR is poised to leave a mark on both the international stage and in the hearts of rugby league fans worldwide.
