New stadium in contention to host Hull KR v Brisbane Broncos World Club Challenge amid latest update

After question marks over whether it will go ahead next year, there has been a new update in Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos’ World Club Challenge hopes, and a left-field stadium has been named as a potential venue.

The Robins and the Broncos will battle it out to be crowned the best in the world, following their respective Grand Final victories on either side of the globe.

The trophy, which has been won by English teams on the last two occasions, was not contested this year due to both Wigan Warriors and Penrith Panthers playing in Las Vegas, meaning scheduling became a huge issues.

Whilst there is still plenty of uncertainty around whether this year’s rendition of the event will go ahead, both sides are doing all they can to make sure the event takes place. It will be the first time KR play in a World Club Challenge match, whilst Brisbane haven’t featured in the competition since 2007, meaning there is huge appetite for the game to be played.

Like last year, though, scheduling has again been an issue, and the Rovers’ involvement in Las Vegas next February is playing a key role. Should it go ahead, reports Down Under claim that the game will be played on either February 19 or 20, which gives KR enough time to recover before they fly out to the Sin City the following week.

World Club Challenge venue update as Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos await scheduling confirmation

It is not just when the game will be played that is the issue, finding where to play it has also been an issue.

In a blow to Robins fans, rival club Hull FC’s MKM Stadium has been named in pole position to host the game, with the 25,500-capacity stadium being favoured over Craven Park. However, a victory on their rival’s ground would make the occasion taste that much sweeter, having not only secured another trophy but to claim local bragging rights at the same time.

Now though, another venue has been thrown into the ring, and it is one that has history when it comes to hosting a World Club Challenge.

Elland Road, the home of Leeds United, is that venue, and if chosen it would stage the event for a record-equalling fifth time, drawing level with Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium. With a capacity of 38,000, the football stadium is seen as a good choice to host once again, with hopes that the game can lead to a sell-out.

Regardless of where in the UK it is held, one thing we know for certain is that it won’t be played in Australia. KR’s Las Vegas trip put an end to that hope, but even if that not been a factor, another reason has now emerged making an Australia-hosted event problematic.

Pop star and Halifax-born singer, Ed Sheeran, will be performing live as part of his tour at Suncorp Stadium, home of Brisbane, and he is scheduled to play there on the weekend on February 20 – ruling out that possibility.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy is determined to make the game go ahead, in wherever part of the world works best, as he knows how special a concept the event is, and is one that should be taken more seriously.

“It is a really unique and appealing concept for the champions of the northern and southern hemisphere competitions to play against each other,” he said to Aussie media. “For multiple reasons, it’s been cancelled three times in the last five years.

“On the back of the Kangaroos being over there for their tour against England, we feel there will be a strong interest in the game and our club.”

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