Kumuls skipper shines in Hull KR World Club Championship victory

PNG Kumuls skipper Rhyse Martin with Hull KR teammates celebrating the World Club Championships victory after defeating Brisbane Broncos 30-24 (Image: Super League)

Wearing the number 17 jersey for the Hull Kingston Rovers, Rhyse Martin came off the bench but had an impact in their 30-24 win over the Brisbane Broncos this morning in the World Club Challenge played at the MKM Stadium in Hull, United Kingdom.

Playing a total of 63 minutes, the PNG Kumul skipper perfected three conversions, provided a try assist and ran a total of 130 metres on the pitch.

The backrower was also superb in defense, committing to a total of 21 tackles in that game.

Despite being the lone Papua New Guinean on the field this morning, many rugby league fans in Papua New Guinea woke up early to watch the Kumul skipper in action against NRL's top side of last season.

Hosting the NRL champions Brisbane Broncos, the Super League champions wasted no time scoring three early tries in the first half to Tom Amone 5', Elliot Minchella 12' and Joe Burgess 21' to take the early lead while Brisbane's Gehamat Shibasaki 28' was the lone try scorer for the Broncos in the first stanza.

The Robins started off well again in the opening minutes of the second half, scoring two more tries to Oliver Gildart 49' and Peta Hiku 55' to extend their lead to 30-4 with 20 minutes left on the clock.

The Broncos, also dubbed as "Come back Kings" in 2025 managed to turn the tide in the final quarter of the game scoring four tries coming from Patrick Carrigan 60', Deine Mariner 62', Gehamat Shibasaki 65' and Kotoni Staggs 76', but it was a little to late when the full time siren sounded the the Robins rejoiced.

The victory for the Robins also adds to another success for the Betfred Super League as the NRL's drought in the World Club Challenge continues in the post- Covid period.

The last time an NRL side won the challenge was in 2020 when the Sydney Roosters defeated St Helens 20-12 before the concept was affected by Covid in 2021 and 2022.

Returning in 2023, St Helens edged the Panthers 13-12 and Wigan Warriors triumphed over the Panthers in 2024 (16-12) while the 2025 fixture was cancelled due to the teams withdrawing to participate in the Las Vegas showdown.