Following two successful ventures to the entertainment capital of the world, the 2026 edition of the NRL’s season-opening event is set to be bigger and better with the Bulldogs locked in to face traditional rivals and neighbours, the St George Illawarra Dragons.
While the Bulldogs have been named as the ‘Home’ team for Round 1, the Club is pleased to share that the Vegas fixture will be one of two shared joint venture games in conjunction with the Dragons.
This means that full season ticketholders will have access to a seat at the second fixture against the Dragons – which will be played at a neutral Sydney venue later in the season – as part of their 2026 membership. More detail on this to come.
After attending the 2025 event alongside General Manager of Football Phil Gould and Chairman Adam Driussi, CEO Aaron Warburton is confident that this was the right time for the Bulldogs to throw their hat in the ring.
“Since the NRL launched this initiative, we’ve been strategically planning for the right moment to bring the Bulldogs to Las Vegas,” he explained.
“With our club’s growing momentum and passionate fanbase, 2026 represents the perfect opportunity to showcase the Bulldogs on this global stage.”
“It’s an opportunity unlike any other for everyone involved in the Club – whether they are part of the playing squad, commercial staff, Member or supporter.
It marks another chapter in our proud history, and it is only fitting that we announce this during our 90-Year Anniversary celebrations.
“We can’t wait to see our passionate Members and supporters deck out Allegiant Stadium in Blue and White.”
Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo believes his squad is ready for the experience.
“We’re very privileged to be going to Las Vegas in 2026, the squad and staff are buzzing at the thought of stepping onto Allegiant Stadium,” he said.
This is going to be an experience unlike any other, and opportunities like this don’t come very often.
“We’re looking forward to representing the Club and showing America who the Bulldogs are.”
Four teams locked in for 2026 Las Vegas NRL season opener as major cut also revealed
The NRL have confirmed the Bulldogs, Dragons, Knights and Cowboys as the four teams to be part of the 2026 Las Vegas season opener extravaganza.
However, the women’s game has been shelved with one less match from the four that were played in the 2025 edition.
“Rugby League in Las Vegas 2026 will be supercharged with six of the biggest and most passionate Rugby League fanbases confirmed to be part of the season-opener next year,” The NRL said in a statement.
“To reward eager fans, the NRL has launched the most competitive travel packages in the history of the Las Vegas event, which in 2026 will feature the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, St George Illawarra Dragons, Newcastle Knights and North Queensland Cowboys.
“The NRL announced the matches, to be played at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, on Saturday, February 28 (Sunday, March 1 in Australia).
“The Bulldogs will face the Dragons, the Knights will play the Cowboys, while Hull KR will play against Leeds in the Super League encounter.
“To help excited fans make their way directly to Las Vegas, the NRL has facilitated four charter flights for the landmark event, with each charter flight themed for supporters of the individual NRL Clubs.
“Direct charter flights from Sydney to Las Vegas are available from $2,800 return while flights from Newcastle and Townsville are available from $2,990.”
“Las Vegas has become a bucket list item for not only NRL and Super League fans but for fans of world-class sport and entertainment,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“We’ve worked with our partners to create affordable travel packages for fans who want to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime trip with family and friends.
“We’ve given supporters the opportunity to plan early and take advantage of special offers.
“Thank you to our Clubs and all our partners, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Allegiant Stadium and our broadcast partners, who have worked closely with us to create a truly unique event that launches the NRL season in unmatched style.”
Broadcast details and kick-off times will be released once confirmed.
Exclusive travel packages
Tickets and travel packages, including four Club themed charter flights to Las Vegas, are available via the NRL Travel by Trip-A-Deal website: travel.nrl.com.
Tickets for Club Members, purchased outside of travel packages, will go on sale on Tuesday, June 3. Individual general public tickets will be available for purchase on Thursday, June 5.
Rugby League in Las Vegas is supported by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).