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Fever pitch as Aussie fans touch down in Hull

Amanda White,in Hull and
Grace McGrory,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageBBC / Amanda White The picture shows more than a dozen men and women smiling at the camera. The majority are wearing burgundy bobble hats, and matching scarves. The man in the middle is wearing a red and white striped scarf around his neck, which he is holding out with his arms. They are standing in front of a row of houses.BBC / Amanda White
Brisbane Broncos fans were given a tour of Hull ahead of the World Club Challenge match on Thursday

Dozens of Brisbane Broncos fans have been given a tour of the city by a "massive" Hull KR fan ahead of a match between the two teams.

Paul Schofield has worked as a tour guide in Hull for many years and said he "couldn't believe it" when he was asked to show the Australians around the city.

The Broncos play Hull KR in the World Club Challenge on Thursday at the MKM Stadium.

Belinda Field, who has travelled more than 10,000 miles (16,093km), said her first impression of the city was "amazing". She said: "It's lovely, apart from the cold. Very, very friendly. We've had lots of conversations with all of the locals, which is great because we all love a chat."

News imageBBC / Amanda White The picture shows a man smiling at the camera. He has brown hair and is wearing a purple cap. He's wearing a burgundy, white and yellow patterned scarf. He is standing in a church, and there are multiple stone pillars behind him. BBC / Amanda White
Kane Maley said the Broncos were "the best team in the world" and they were here to prove it

Supporter Kane Maley, from Australia, said: "I would travel double the distance to watch these guys. I would definitely do it over and over again.

"It is a little bit cold, I must admit. I've still got the shorts on, but the ears are getting a bit crisp.

"We're the best team in the world and we're just here to prove it, that's all."

Schofield said despite the rivalry, he was "so pleased" to show the fans around, adding: "It's just like heaven this, isn't it?

"To win the treble last season and now to host the World Club Challenge, it's just amazing for the club and great news for the city."

Ahead of the match kicking off, BBC Radio Humberside has organised a relay to carry a match ball from Hull KR's home at Craven Park across the city to the MKM Stadium.

A decision not to hold the clash between the Super League and Australian NRL champions at Craven Park was made because of "capacity reasons".

The MKM Stadium, home to football club Hull City as well as Hull FC, can officially hold 25,586 fans - more than double the capacity of Craven Park.

How to follow

The game kicks off at 19:30 GMT and you can watch the match on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Humberside.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

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