Hull KR's Historic World Club Challenge Move
Hull KR will host the World Club Challenge against NRL champions Brisbane Broncos at the MKM Stadium early next year, a decision confirmed by CEO Paul Lakin as a strategic choice.
Match Details and Venue Change
- The match is set for Thursday, February 19.
- It will take place at Hull FC's MKM Stadium instead of Hull KR's Craven Park.
Reasoning Behind the Venue Decision
Lakin explained the rationale behind moving the game away from their traditional home ground:
"It was definitely a consideration to play it at home but it became a bit of a no-brainer. You want to hold it in the biggest stadium possible for as many people to see the best players in the world. We felt the World Club Challenge deserved a bigger platform."
He added that keeping the match at Craven Park would have caused frustration due to limited capacity, whereas the MKM Stadium offers a larger venue that they expect to sell out.
"If we'd kept it at our ground, a lot of the conversation would have been about how many people couldn't get in. That would have created a lot of frustration, whereas this is a good-sized stadium that we will undoubtedly sell out."
Significance for Hull KR
This will be Hull KR's first-ever appearance in the World Club Challenge, making the match a historic milestone for the club and its supporters.
"It'll be a fantastic and proud moment for us to be able to hold it in our city."
Fan Experience and City Pride
Fans eager to watch Reece Walsh and the Brisbane Broncos will need to cross the city to attend, but the club prioritizes keeping the event within Hull.
"We're keeping it in our city, which was the number one priority. That wasn't easy because Hull City are playing at the ground on the Saturday."
Author's summary: Hull KR’s CEO highlights the strategic move to a larger stadium within their city for their first World Club Challenge appearance, ensuring maximum attendance and city pride.