Jez Litten, the hooker for Hull KR, admitted that he had been plagued with nightmares about Reece Walsh, the full-back for Brisbane Broncos, in the days leading up to their landmark World Club Challenge victory over the NRL champions.
Litten assisted team captain Elliot Minchella in scoring the Robins’ second try as they surged ahead in the first half and created what appeared to be a comfortable lead of 30-4 after the break.
Brisbane, despite Walsh’s typically influential presence—who struggled with errors during the match—struck back by scoring 20 consecutive points, leading to a dramatic finish at the MKM Stadium, where Hull KR managed to hold their ground.
“The team showed up against Brisbane, and we were aware of the challenge we faced, but we came together and secured the win,” Litten shared with BBC Sport.
“I’ve been ill all week and had nightmares about Reece Walsh coming at me, and they all played out tonight. When a player like him is out there, I have to give credit to my teammates who supported me.”
The usually brilliant Reece Walsh (right) displayed a mix of errors and brilliance during the Brisbane Broncos’ defeat to Hull KR [SWPix]
Hull KR entered the match following an unexpected loss to newly promoted York Knights but dominated the game in 2025, securing the treble of the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and the Super League Grand Final.
With this victory over Brisbane, Hull KR became just the sixth English club to win a World Club Challenge since its inception in 1987.
They now hold all four major titles, making them the first club to do so since Wigan in their quadruple-winning 2024 season and the first to achieve this in two consecutive seasons since St Helens in 2006-07.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in our club. I’m delighted for our owner Neil Hudgell and the people of Hull,” said coach Willie Peters to BBC Sport.
“We had a responsibility to not only our local community but to Super League and the British game, and we honored that.”
Litten echoed these sentiments, praising the supporters of Hull KR and Super League as a whole for their presence on this memorable night for northern hemisphere rugby.
“The supporters really took over tonight; they were unbelievable. And for all the other Super League fans that came out to support us, we wanted to make the English game proud,” Litten added.
“We may get some criticism from the Australians, but it feels good to get one over them tonight.”