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📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
'Annoys us': England gun warns Broncos for Hull clash
Joel Gould, AAP • January 13th, 2026 4:59 pm
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds (R) will lead the team in the World Club Challenge against Hull KR | Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
Critics who laugh at Hull KR's chances of beating Brisbane in the World Club Challenge are in for a rude shock insists England international and new Dolphins forward Morgan Knowles.
Knowles was a member of the St Helens side that stunned Penrith 13-12 in the 2023 World Club Challenge at the Panthers' home ground.
The Robins, reigning Super League champions, will host defending NRL premiers the Broncos at MKM Stadium on February 20 at 8.30am (NZT).
They have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Saints and Wigan and keep the trophy in England for the third consecutive occasion.
Knowles, a St Helens legend who has joined the Dolphins in 2026, gets his back up when English Super League teams are written off.
New Dolphins signing Morgan Knowles says Hull KR will fire in the World Club Challenge | Photo: Darren England/AAP
"I think Hull KR, if they play at their best they are a red-hot chance," Knowles said.
"Super League gets put down a fair bit and that definitely annoys us English blokes over there. So we have definitely got a point to prove.
"Obviously we beat Penrith and then Wigan beat Penrith (16-12) back in the UK as well (in 2024).
"Hull KR will be wanting to do the same. They are a good team and coached well. It will be a good game and I look forward to watching it."
English teams have a rich history of beating Australian outfits to claim the prestigious trophy.
Wigan are equal with Sydney Roosters with five trophies in the cabinet while St Helens, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne are next best with three each.
The English have won the trophy 15 of the 29 times the clash has been contested, with the Storm also having the 2010 title stripped for salary cap breaches.
For Knowles, the history of the event makes a mockery of those who dismiss the Super League clubs as inferior to their NRL counterparts.
"It was the same back in 2023 when I came over with St Helens," Knowles fired.
"Everyone was asking, 'why are you in Australia?' They were laughing at us saying,' 'it is going to be a cricket score'.
"We were quietly confident in ourselves and obviously got the win and Wigan backed it up the year after.
"The English boys will be confident and I hope Broncos take them lightly and we get another English win."
Former St Helens star Morgan Knowles won the 2023 World Club Challenge with Saints against Penrith | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The Broncos, captained by veteran Adam Reynolds and boasting superstars such as Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs, will be aiming for their third title after previously winning the trophy in 1992 and 1997.
Hull have never won the title and will playing in their first World Club Challenge, but their impressive 24-6 win over powerhouses Wigan in last year's Super League decider showcased their class and grit after they earlier won the Challenge Cup final 8-6 against Warrington.
The Robins, coached by highly regarded Australian coach Willie Peters, had four players - Peta Hiku, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Dean Hadley - named in the Super League Dream Team of 2025.
