Dragons and Bulldogs Clash in Las Vegas NRL Opener
The 2026 NRL season launches with a historic matchup in Las Vegas as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs face the St. George Illawarra Dragons at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This game is part of a triple-header that similarly features a Super League clash between Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos, and a match between the Newcastle Knights and the North Queensland Cowboys.
New Faces and Key Matchups
For the Dragons, the Las Vegas opener marks the first NRL game for halfback Dan Atkinson, who joined the team from the Sharks during the off-season. He will partner with Kyle Flanagan in the halves, with Damien Cook directing play from dummy half. Setu Tu will also make his NRL debut on the wing for St George Illawarra. Clint Gutherson will captain the Dragons as they aim to return to the finals for the first time since 2018.
The Bulldogs will see talented 20-year-old Lachlan Galvin enter his first full season with the club. Despite the loss of Leo Thompson due to a calf tear, the Bulldogs are confident in their forward pack’s ability to compete against the Dragons.
Team Updates
The Bulldogs made a late change to their squad with Enari Tuala joining the bench, replacing Sean O’Sullivan. Matt Burton is cleared to play after a hamstring scare, and Marcelo Montoya returns from an ankle injury. Jacob Kiraz will also feature on the wing.
For the Dragons, Josh Kerr (ankle), Hame Sele (head knock), and Val Holmes (shoulder) have been named to play. David Fale and Jacob Halangahu were removed from the squad 24 hours before kickoff.
Broadcast Details
The Bulldogs vs. Dragons match will kick off at 8:30 pm local time (3:30 pm AEDT, 4:30 am GMT). It will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 and Channel 9 in Australia.
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won their past five games against the Dragons.
- A Dragons outside back has scored a hat-trick in the team’s last three Round 1 games.
- Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored six tries in five games against the Dragons.
- Damien Cook and Daniel Atkinson will make their second appearance at Allegiant Stadium.
- Viliame Kikau has won nine from nine against the Dragons.