NRL 2026 Las Vegas Games Start February 28 and Cost Bulldogs $15,000 Extra

The NRL 2026 season kicks off in Las Vegas on February 28 with three games. This is one more game than last year's event.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

The National Rugby League (NRL) is set to launch its 2026 season in Las Vegas with a multi-game slate at Allegiant Stadium. The event will feature four Australian clubs and two English Super League teams, alongside pre-event activities. This marks the league's return to the United States for a second consecutive year after its debut in 2025.

Schedule of Events and Participating Teams

The 2026 Las Vegas event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (local time), which corresponds to Sunday, March 1, 2026 (AEDT). The lineup at Allegiant Stadium includes:

NRL 2026: Las Vegas season opener news, Zimbabwe prospect Alex Nyamunda on NRL scouts radar, pies and sausage rolls for Aussie fans in Vegas - 1

  • Hull KR vs. Leeds Rhinos: This Super League fixture will open the day's matches.

  • Newcastle Knights vs. North Queensland Cowboys: This game holds the distinction of being the first NRL match of the 2026 season.

  • Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons: This clash between two fierce rivals will headline the event.

Beyond the main stadium fixtures, a series of associated events are planned:

  • NRL Vegas Schools Gala Day: Scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, at New Silver Bowl Park.

  • NRL Las Vegas Nines: To be held on Thursday, February 26, also at New Silver Bowl Park.

  • USA Hawks vs. Scotland: A match set for Friday, February 27, at Cougar Stadium, Coronado High.

Broadcast and Fan Engagement

The Las Vegas matches are slated for broadcast across multiple markets and time zones. In Australia, the Bulldogs vs. Dragons match will be available on Nine/9 Now and Fox Sports, while the Knights vs. Cowboys game and the Super League fixture will be shown on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. Viewers in the USA can catch the Super League game and the first NRL match on Fox Sports 2, with the Bulldogs and Dragons clash airing on Fox Sports 1.

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To enhance fan experience, the NRL has arranged four club-themed charter flights for supporters traveling to Las Vegas. This initiative aims to improve supporter engagement by providing direct travel options.

Team Squads and Logistics

Participating NRL clubs, namely the Bulldogs, Dragons, Cowboys, and Knights, have been confirmed. Each club can name six players on the bench, though they are limited to using four during the game. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have indicated a plan to travel with 24 players, an increase from the usual roster size, incurring an additional cost of approximately $15,000 to cover the extra players beyond the NRL's standard provision for 22 players' flights and accommodation.

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Context and Future Outlook

The decision to hold a reduced three-game schedule at Allegiant Stadium, which notably omits a women's Test match, has been attributed to addressing fan fatigue and improving event pacing. This event is part of a broader five-year agreement with Las Vegas. Following this period, the NRL may explore other locations within the United States for future season openers.

Additional Activities

Beyond the rugby league matches, entertainment in Las Vegas will include Jim Jefferies: Son of a Carpenter performing live at The Palazzo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are the NRL 2026 Las Vegas games?
The main NRL games in Las Vegas are on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This is Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Australia. There are also other events like the Nines on February 26.
Q: Which teams are playing in the NRL 2026 Las Vegas games?
The games feature Hull KR vs. Leeds Rhinos, Newcastle Knights vs. North Queensland Cowboys, and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons. There is also a USA Hawks vs. Scotland match.
Q: How can I watch the NRL 2026 Las Vegas games?
In Australia, the Bulldogs vs. Dragons game is on Nine/9 Now and Fox Sports. The other two games are on Fox Sports and Kayo. In the USA, games are on Fox Sports 2 and Fox Sports 1.
Q: Why are the Bulldogs paying an extra $15,000 for the NRL 2026 Las Vegas trip?
The Bulldogs plan to bring 24 players to Las Vegas, which is 2 more than the NRL allows for flights and hotel costs. This extra travel for the 2 players costs the club about $15,000.
Q: Why is there no women's game at the NRL 2026 Las Vegas event?
The NRL decided to have only three games to avoid making fans tired and to make the event flow better. They are planning to have games in other US cities after their five-year deal with Las Vegas ends.