Bulldogs Locked in for Las Vegas: Four Teams Confirmed for 2026 NRL Season Opener as Major Cut Revealed
The NRL has officially announced the four teams locked in for the 2026 season-opening double-header in Las Vegas, with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs earning a coveted spot on the international stage. Joining them will be heavyweights the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos, and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
This marks the second straight year the NRL will kick off its season in the United States, building on the success of the 2024 Las Vegas debut. The decision to expand the league’s global reach is part of a broader strategy to tap into new audiences, commercial opportunities, and the growing appetite for rugby league abroad—particularly in the U.S. market.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys confirmed the inclusion of the Bulldogs, a club steeped in tradition and now looking to build on its global brand. “We’re thrilled to be taking four iconic clubs to Las Vegas,” V’landys said. “This is more than just a game—it’s a statement about where the NRL is heading.”
The announcement also came with a notable omission: the Sydney Roosters, who were heavily tipped to feature in the 2026 event. Despite their strong American ties through minority owner Russell Crowe and a large international following, the Roosters were ultimately cut from the shortlist, with the Bulldogs getting the nod instead.
According to sources close to the planning, the decision was influenced by the Bulldogs’ increasing investment in junior development, strong multicultural fan base, and a refreshed brand under coach Cameron Ciraldo. Their inclusion is seen as a reward for both on- and off-field growth.
South Sydney and Brisbane, two of the league’s most marketable and recognizable clubs, were always considered locks. Manly, meanwhile, returns to the U.S. after taking part in the 2024 Vegas showcase, with superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic expected to headline the campaign once more.
The 2026 double-header will again be held at Allegiant Stadium, the state-of-the-art home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Officials are targeting another sell-out crowd and a broadcast reach surpassing the inaugural event.
“We want to put on a spectacle that not only excites our loyal fans in Australia but also captures the imagination of American sports enthusiasts,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said. “This is about long-term growth, and Las Vegas is the perfect place to do it.”
With the Bulldogs now officially on the bill, preparations for a blockbuster start to the 2026 NRL season are underway—and rugby league’s American adventure is just getting started.
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