Michael Maguire says Brisbane fit and ready for World Club Challenge in front of 24,000 Hull KR fans

Michael Maguire has declared his side fit and ready to begin its premiership defence in 2026 at the World Club Challenge against Hull KR in front of around 24,000 English fans come Thursday evening in Northern England.

Speaking at a media conference Wednesday (UK time), Maguire said he expects a group of diehard Bronco fans to make the journey across to the UK, though conceded it's likely they will drowned out by the noise of the Hull KR faithful

"The crowd over here, they're unreal," he said.

"It's one thing for our players to be able to experience that. At the end of the day it's a game of footy, so our boys are focussed on making sure they get their job done and do their part for each other.

"It's a big occasion for both teams, but for our boys, to travel across and perform is something that they've set out to do."

One name expected to shine for Hull KR is Mikey Lewis, the halfback who won the 2024 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel and kicked a match winning conversion late in last year's Challenge Cup victory over Warrington.

"I am excited, it's a bit of a dream come true," Lewis told Sky Sports UK.

"Watching it over the years, growing up, and getting the chance to play on that stage is going to be a massive and proud moment for myself. I think we have just got to be confident. We have no fear now, especially after winning our first trophy last year in the Challenge Cup.

"We play with a lot of freedom and a structure that really suits us playing as a group.

"It's about going out there and executing it like we did in the Grand Final."

Asked if Lewis will be a target, Michael Maguire did not shy away from the fact that he expects plenty of traffic to be headed the 24 year-old's way.

"That's part of it," Maguire said, "you chase the halves, he's going to be no different to any other half that we're playing against."

"We'll go after those opportunities when they arise, but we're going to get through the middle of the park with our big forwards."

The World Club Challenge will be kick off at MKM Stadium in Hull on Thursday at 7:30pm local time (6:30am AEST).

Lead image: Michael Maguire addresses media ahead of World Club Challenge. (Image - Brisbane Broncos News)

‍