Broncos’ Coach’s Bold Strategy: A Late Team Reveal for the World Club Challenge
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has thrown a curveball at fans and opponents alike, opting for a surprise late team announcement just 90 minutes before kick-off for their World Club Challenge showdown against Hull KR. This unconventional approach contrasts with the usual NRL protocols and has left many speculating about the final lineup.
The Broncos are currently in England, gearing up for the highly anticipated clash with the Super League champions. With considerable excitement surrounding the team in 2026, supporters were eager to see Maguire’s first squad announcement of the year, especially with new recruit Grant Anderson, formerly of the Melbourne Storm, vying for a backline spot.
Adding to the intrigue, Brendan Piakura, who was the starting second-rower in the NRL Grand Final, is sidelined due to injury, leaving a vacancy in the backrow. While fans expected an early glimpse of the team list, Maguire chose to withhold the information.
Instead, it was Hull KR who adhered to typical NRL protocols by announcing their 17 players well in advance. The World Club Challenge will be officiated under international rules, with Liam Moore set to referee the match. This means that, unlike the standard NRL practice of naming the team on a Tuesday, Maguire appears poised to reveal his starting side only 90 minutes before the game commences. This decision comes despite earlier suggestions from Maguire to NRL.com.au that he would follow the established NRL team naming conventions. Broncos fans are left to ponder the final composition of the team, with Ben Hunt himself hinting at a potential bench role.
Ben Hunt Hints at Bench Role for World Club Challenge
Speaking ahead of the significant match, Ben Hunt shared on 4BC Breakfast Radio that he is not anticipating a starting position for Friday’s game and expects to come off the bench. This suggests that either Corey Paix or the emerging talent Blake Mozer will be given the nod to start at hooker. Paix had been the starting No. 9 in the NRL Grand Final, with Hunt playing at five-eighth.
“I’m just laying up in the room, trying to stay warm … I think it was one degree here today and felt like minus two or something like that,” Hunt commented on Wednesday, describing the chilly English conditions. He went on to share a lighthearted exchange with coach Michael Maguire, affectionately known as ‘Madge’. “I actually said to Madge [Michael Maguire], because I’m coming off the bench, that I’m gonna be up in the dressing room and send me a radio call when you need me to go on.” Hunt emphasized the Broncos’ commitment to securing a victory, noting the recent struggles of Australian clubs to claim the World Club Challenge trophy.
Hull KR Confirms Mikey Lewis for Crucial Showdown
Hull KR, in a strategic move, revealed their starting 17 earlier than anticipated, preempting the Broncos’ late announcement. This lineup includes Mikey Lewis, who will play at five-eighth. Lewis had been under scrutiny from the disciplinary committee following an incident in his team’s opening Super League game last week.
During their recent 19-18 loss, Lewis extended his leg and tripped rival half Liam Harris as he attempted to run past him. The playmaker was sin-binned for the infraction and faced the real possibility of a suspension, casting doubt over his availability for the match against the NRL premiers. However, Lewis has successfully escaped a ban and is now set to play a key role in guiding his team to a potential victory in front of their home crowd. The late reveal by the Broncos adds an extra layer of anticipation to what promises to be an enthralling World Club Challenge encounter.
