English rugby league fans will once again get the chance to witness Reece Walsh live in action, with the Brisbane Broncos agreeing to travel to England to revive the World Club Challenge (WCC) in 2026.
The Sydney Morning Herald also reports that there had been fears the traditional clash between the NRL and Super League champions would be scrapped for a second straight year due to Hull Kingston Rovers’ Las Vegas commitments, where they will open their 2026 season against Leeds Rhinos.
However, the concept has been saved after Brisbane confirmed they will head to the United Kingdom in February 2026 to determine the world’s best rugby league club.
The MKM Stadium, home of Hull FC, is shaping as the leading venue for the 2026 showdown due to its 25,000-seat capacity, more than double the 11,000 available at Hull KR’s Craven Park.
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The official announcement is expected later this week.
This will mark just the third World Club Challenge in six years, with previous editions disrupted by travel and scheduling issues. The 2020 (Melbourne Storm vs St Helens) and 2021 (Penrith Panthers vs St Helens) clashes were cancelled due to COVID-19, while Penrith also missed the 2024 edition amid their own Las Vegas commitments.
The revival comes amid concern that the historic concept, first played in 1976 was in danger of fading due to the logistical difficulties of matching the hemispheres’ best teams.
Brisbane’s willingness to travel has now ensured its continuation.
It will be Maguire’s third appearance coaching in a World Club Challenge, following stints with Wigan in 2012 (lost to St George Illawarra) and South Sydney in 2015 (defeated St Helens).
On the other side, Hull KR coach Willie Peters will again have the chance to impress on the international stage. Peters has been touted as an NRL coach-in-waiting after guiding Hull KR to a historic “triple crown” in 2025, winning the Super League Grand Final, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders’ Shield.
The clash ensures another UK appearance for Reece Walsh, whose superstar performances for both the Broncos and the Australian Kangaroos have captivated English fans. Walsh has already played a starring role in the Kangaroos’ Test wins during their current UK tour, drawing sell-out crowds and fan frenzy.
He will be joined by Pat Carrigan, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Kotoni Staggs, who will also return to England for the first major club match following this weekend’s final Test at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
The return of the World Club Challenge is part of the NRL’s broader strategy to boost rugby league in England.
The Australian governing body recently reintroduced Kangaroos tours and is considering taking an ownership stake in the Super League, where many clubs continue to face financial challenges.
The 2026 WCC will not only reignite one of rugby league’s most prestigious international fixtures but also strengthen ties between the NRL and Super League, with Reece Walsh once again at the heart of the global spotlight.