More Reece Walsh magic for English fans as Broncos revive World Club Challenge

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English rugby league fans will get another dose of Reece Walsh after Brisbane agreed to travel to England to revive the World Club Challenge.

There were fears the traditional clash between the NRL and Super League champions would be canned for a second consecutive year due to England premiers Hull Kingston Rovers’ commitments in Las Vegas, where they will open their 2026 season against Leeds.

However, the concept will be revived after the Broncos agreed to travel to the United Kingdom to participate in a clash in February 2026 to determine the best rugby league club in the world.

MKM Stadium, the home ground of Hull FC, is shaping as the most likely venue because of its 25,000 capacity, which is significantly larger than the 11,000 seats available at Hull KR’s home ground.

Reece Walsh will be a star attraction in the World Club Challenge.

The official announcement of the WCC fixture is expected later this week. It will mark just the third WCC clash in six years; Penrith was unable to participate last year due to Vegas commitments, while the 2020 (Storm and St Helens) and 2021 (Penrith and St Helens) clashes were cancelled due to COVID-19.

It raised concerns that the concept, first played in 1976, could be dying a slow death due to the logistical challenges of pitting the best teams from each hemisphere against each other. However, the latest match-up is made possible due to Brisbane’s willingness to travel to the UK as part of their preparations for their title defence.

Reece Walsh on debut for the Kangaroos at Wembley Stadium.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire gave a hint the club was keen on the concept after the epic grand final win over Melbourne, telling reporters it was a match of interest if schedules permitted. It will be the third time Maguire has coached in a WCC after being at the helm of Wigan in 2012 (lost to St George Illawarra) and South Sydney in 2015 (beat St Helens).

It’s also another opportunity for Hull KR coach Willie Peters to impress on the big stage. Peters is considered an NRL coach-in-waiting after taking Hull KR to the “triple crown” in 2025; winning the Super League grand final, the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield.

The Hull KR-Brisbane clash means English fans will get another opportunity to witness first hand the exploits of Broncos superstar Walsh, who is the biggest name in the game after transferring his Broncos form to the Kangaroos No.1 jersey.

Walsh has enjoyed a rock-star reception from English fans, playing a starring role in the visitors’ two wins. Brisbane-based Australian teammates Pat Carrigan, Gehamat Shibasaki and Kotoni Staggs will also be returning to England for their next major match, just months after this weekend’s third and final Test at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

The return of the WCC is one of several steps the NRL is taking to help boost rugby league in England. The Australian governing body reintroduced Kangaroos tours and is considering taking an ownership stake in the Super League, where most of the clubs are struggling financially.