Mikey Lewis has played against Brisbane Broncos stars before and knows his team will go into the World Club Challenge on Thursday night “without fear”.
This Thursday, Hull KR take on the Brisbane Broncos in a Super League Champions vs. NRL Premiers battle that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports to take the world No. 1 spot in Rugby League.
It’s another piece of history the Robins are looking to capture after completing the treble in 2025, becoming only the fifth team in history to win the competition, winning the Grand Final, Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield over the course of a season.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Super League match between York Knights and Hull KR.
But they know they will face stiff competition from the Broncos, who have star players such as Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Ben Hunt.
Not only that, but they come into this game despite suffering a shocking loss to newly promoted York Knights in their opening round of Super League 2026.
Lewis knows he can expect some great rugby from his opponent, as Walsh brought the Ashes to Australia in England’s 3-0 defeat just a few months ago.
He hopes to apply the lessons from Ash to this match.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Hull KR’s celebrations spark a singalong after winning their first Super League title against Wigan Warriors.
“One hundred percent, there are a lot of (lessons). It doesn’t help when the head coach is an assistant coach of the Australian team. He knows all the players inside and out. But like I said, losing 3-0 was a disappointing result,” Lewis told Sky Sports.
“That moment, probably the moment in the game where they did really well, is a big learning experience.
“For me anyway, it’s important to take the opportunity when it comes and to ice it like Reece (Walsh) did.
“We are totally focused on ourselves. We have a job to do and that is to lift the trophy and keep it in England.”
“So we’re going to give it our all and go out with a bang.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Watch Ben Hunt score a heroic last-minute goal against the Raiders and watch the Broncos pull off a stunning comeback.
Showing the value of Super League
Whenever a Super League club takes part in the World Club Challenge, there is a feeling that they are not only representing their club, but the competition as a whole.
In fact, this figure has gone up even further since St Helens beat Penrith Panthers in Australia in 2023 and then Wigan beat Penrith Panthers in England in 2024.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
St Helens defeated Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge in dramatic fashion with a golden point-winning drop goal in extra time!
Lewis remembers how big that moment was and knows that if Hull KR can win and claim a third consecutive Super League title, it will help the sport grow.
“Especially when St Helens went over there and beat Penrith. It was huge for Super League for the first team in a few years to go over there and achieve that,” he added.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of Penrith Panthers vs St Helens at the World Club Challenge.
“Then obviously Wigan beat Penrith here again to win the trophy and that will give us more confidence in the talent of our players.
“The important thing is who really performs on the day. There’s been a lot of talk around Super League over the last year or so, but we want to do our best and hopefully develop for the game here.”
“This is about getting more people involved and growing the game, not just in the north but across the UK.”
Passion, pride, ability to execute
So how exactly will Hull KR approach such a monumental moment in the club’s history?
Confidence, execution and pride in the jersey.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Watch Hull KR celebrate their historic domestic treble with a bus parade through the city.
“I’m excited because it’s a little dream come true,” Lewis said.
“I grew up watching this game over the years and to have the opportunity to play on that stage will be a very proud moment for me.
“I think we have to have confidence. We’re not just skill-based players, we play with a lot of passion.
“We’re not afraid of anything now, especially since we won our first trophy in the Challenge Cup last year. We’re playing with a lot of freedom and a structure that really suits us as a playing group.”
“The players will be confident and we’ll just have to play our game and stick to the game plan that Willie (Peters) and the coaching staff have put together for our players.”
“It’s important to go out there and do it like we did in the grand final.”
How can I watch it?
The World Club Challenge will be streamed live on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+ from 6.30pm on Thursday 19 February.
The game then kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
2026 Super League – Important dates and highlights
World Club Challenge: Thursday 19th February: Hull KR vs Brisbane Broncos, 7.30pm (Sky Sports) Las Vegas Rugby League: Saturday 28th February: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos, 11.30pm (Sky Sports) Super League 30th Anniversary: Thursday 26th March: Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky) Sports) Rivals Round: April 3rd – April 5th Super League in Paris: Saturday 6th June Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6.30pm UK (Skys) Ports) Magic Weekend: July 4th – July 5th Rivals Round Reversal: July 23rd – July 26th Elimination Playoffs: September 19th – September 20th Playoff Semi-Finals: September 26th – September 27th Grand Final: October 3rd, Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match live this season. Exclusively live, including two matches from each round, the remaining five matches will be shown weekly on Sky Sports+.
