Hull KR’s rollercoaster ride from depths of despair to verge of World Club Challenge glory

Aaron Bower Wed, 18 February 2026 at 1:54 pm UTC·4 min read To appreciate the absolute highs, you perhaps have to first experience the ultimate lows: when Hull KR walk out in Thursday’s historic World Club Challenge, few will be better placed to say that have done that quite like their long-standing owner, Neil Hudgell. The Super League champions will aim to be crowned the world’s best club rugby league side for the first time when they take on NRL kings Brisbane Broncos. To satisfy the unprecedented demand, they have taken ownership of the venue of their great rivals, Hull FC, for one night only - with 25,000 supporters, double the capacity of their Craven Park home, buying tickets in...