Rugby League Las Vegas 2026: Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs, and Dragons Clash at Allegiant Stadium
LAS VEGAS — For the third consecutive year, the National Rugby League (NRL) is launching its season with a doubleheader at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This year’s event features matchups between the Newcastle Knights and the North Queensland Cowboys, followed by a contest between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St. George Illawarra Dragons, alongside a Super League clash between Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos.
NRL Matchups: A Preview
The first NRL game will pit the North Queensland Cowboys against the Newcastle Knights at 9:15 p.m. ET, followed by the Canterbury Bulldogs versus the St. George Illawarra Dragons at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Bulldogs Aim to Build on Previous Success
The Bulldogs, who finished third in the 2025 NRL regular season with a 16-8 record, are considered a strong contender in this year’s Las Vegas event. They will face the Dragons, who finished 15th in the 17-team league with an 8-16 record.
Knights Seek Turnaround with New Leadership
The Knights, who finished last in the league in 2025 with a 6-18 record and a -300 point differential, have undergone significant changes in the offseason, hiring Justin Holbrook as their new coach. They’ve also secured high-profile player Dylan Brown with a $13 million contract, hoping to revitalize their performance alongside star player Kalyn Ponga.
Cowboys Look for Momentum
The Cowboys enter the game having won both of their preseason clashes, though against reserve sides of the Bulldogs and Panthers. They will debut a new hooker, Reed Mahoney, whose performance will be crucial to their success this season.
Dragons Face Challenges
The Dragons lost both of their preseason games, including a match with their starters against a reserve team from the Rabbitohs. They face a tough challenge against the defensively strong Bulldogs.
Expert Analysis
Matty Johns, a former NRL star and current Fox Sports analyst, predicts an entertaining, high-scoring game between the Knights and Cowboys, noting both teams prioritize attack over defense. He anticipates a more physical contest between the Bulldogs and Dragons, highlighting the Bulldogs’ traditionally tough defensive style.
Yvonne Sampson, another NRL analyst for Fox Sports, is particularly interested in how Dylan Brown integrates with the Knights, given the significant investment in his contract and the pressure to deliver immediate results. She also emphasized the importance of Kalyn Ponga stepping up as a leader for the team.
Johns believes the Bulldogs are the most talented team of the four and predicts they will reach the Grand Final.
Super League Clash
Prior to the NRL matchups, Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos will face off at 4:00 p.m. Local time (11:00 a.m. AEDT), showcasing the strength of the Super League.
Broadcast Information
All three matches will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 in the USA.
Fan Experience
The event will be accompanied by a week of activities, including OzFest, Fan Fest, and the Vegas Nines, creating a comprehensive rugby league experience for fans. Fans attending the event at Allegiant Stadium will have the opportunity to win a trip to the 2026 NRL Grand Final in Sydney by scanning a QR code and participating in a memory game.