NRL round 1, 2026: Las Vegas double-header preview
The National Rugby League’s 2026 season kicks off once again in the unlikely location of Las Vegas, with the Saturday evening time slot in the US gambling capital meaning Sunday afternoon action Australian east coast time.
The four teams which have made the trek to the United States this year are all first-timers, with the Bulldogs the only team among them considered likely to challenge for a top-four spot this season.
The Knights, Cowboys and Dragons are all priced to finish outside the top eight by Australian betting sites, though we expect the Knights to surprise to the upside this season. Any team with attacking weapons of the calibre of Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Fletcher Sharpe, plus having added playmaker Dylan Brown, will ask plenty of questions of rival defences.
Early season NRL matches have often proved something of a banana skin for tipsters but we have run the rule over the opening two matches of the season to try to provide a leg-up for our followers.
Read on for our Knights v Cowboys and Bulldogs v Dragons tips and winner prediction for their round-one NRL clashes.
Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys tips
- Kick-off: 6.15pm local time, Saturday (1.15pm Sunday, March 1, AEDT)
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
- Head to head odds: Newcastle $2.45, North Queensland $1.55
- Line betting: Newcastle (+4.5 points) $1.90, North Queensland (-4.5 points) $1.90
- Match total: 42.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90
The NRL season officially begins with a battle between two clubs for which things went awry in 2025. The Knights will be hoping big-name recruit Dylan Brown from Parramatta can spark them, though they will also be hoping for a much smoother run with injuries.
The Cowboys arrive in Nevada as the bookies’ favorites after a dominant pre-season. They will be ably steered around the park by captain Tom Dearden, while keep a close eye on the returning excitement machine Heilum Luki – his athleticism on the edge is perfectly suited to the fast, indoor conditions.
Newcastle finished last season with nine consecutive losses to claim the unwanted wooden spoon, and they will be desperate to give their fans some hope with an early surprise win. But it’s likely going to take some time for their combinations to flourish.
- Our tip: Cowboys by 8 points.
- Suggested bet: Cowboys to win by 1-12 points/ match total over 42.5 at around $5 with most bookies
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons tips
- Kick-off: 8.30pm local time, Saturday (3.30pm Sunday, March 1, AEDT)
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
- Head to head odds: Canterbury $1.38, St George $3.05
- Line betting: Canterbury (-7.5 points) $1.90, St George (+7.5 points) $1.90
- Match total: 38.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90
The Bulldogs, led by Stephen Crichton, are seen as the lock for most tipsters this weekend. Their defensive resolve under coach Cameron Ciraldo was a highlight of last season, and the addition of Kiwi enforcer Leo Thompson from the Knights gives them another physical edge in a powerful pack
The Dragons enter the match as the clear underdogs, and the Red V will look to turn this into a gritty, low-scoring affair. But it is still hard to see where their points are coming from against the frugal Dogs, though new halfback Daniel Atkinson from Cronulla will relish the greater opportunity.
The Dogs were magnificent during the regular season in 2025 but folded out of the finals in straight sets. That means they still have plenty to prove and with young pivot Lachlan Galvin now having a full pre-season to work out how to play alongside the likes of Matt Burton and flying fullback Connor Tracey, the Dogs may be able to add a lot more flair in attack this season. That makes them dangerous.
The Dragons are a tough and workmanlike line-up but the Dogs should be able to get most NRL tippers off to a decent start in 2026.
- Our selection: Bulldogs by 12 points.
- Suggested bet: Stephen Crichton anytime try-scorer at around $3. The powerhouse Bulldogs centre played through injury last season and will be eager to stamp his mark early in this match played indoors and on a narrower field. We think he will crash over at some stage.
Previous results in the Las Vegas season openers
2024
Manly Sea Eagles 36 d South Sydney Rabbitohs 24; Sydney Roosters 20 d Brisbane Broncos 10.
2025
Canberra Raiders 30 d New Zealand Warriors 8, Penrith Panthers 28 d Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22.
