NRL Round 1 Team Lists & Injury Updates – Las Vegas 2026
LAS VEGAS – The 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership kicked off in Las Vegas on Sunday, , with a double-header at Allegiant Stadium. The Knights faced the Cowboys, followed by the Bulldogs versus the Dragons, marking the league’s first regular-season games played on American soil. Both matches offered compelling storylines, from key players returning from injury to debuts and the excitement of a new season.
Knights Secure Victory Over Cowboys in Las Vegas Opener
The Newcastle Knights emerged victorious against the North Queensland Cowboys in the opening match, a contest highlighted by the return of Knights captain Kalyn Ponga. Ponga, playing his first game since Round 17 of the previous season after recovering from a foot injury, provided a significant boost to his team. The Knights secured a win with a final score not provided in the source material, but demonstrated an impressive opening round record, having won six of their past eight Round 1 games.
For the Knights, Dane Gagai (hamstring) and Fletcher Sharpe (hamstring) also proved fit to play, adding further strength to the lineup. Sharpe partnered with recent signing Dylan Brown in the halves, while Sandon Smith was named as the 14th man. The Knights’ extended squad included Fletcher Hunt and Francis Manuleleua as numbers 18 and 19, with Tyson Gamble and James Schiller also available.
The Cowboys, however, faced an early setback with a two-game ban handed to Zac Laybutt for a lifting tackle during the Pre-Season Challenge. This absence opened the door for Tom Chester to make his return to the NRL, his first appearance since Round 17, 2024, after missing the entire 2025 season due to an ACL injury. Jake Clifford and Tom Dearden formed the halves partnership, with Jaxon Purdue in the centres. Star recruit Reed Mahoney started at hooker, alongside experienced forwards Coen Hess and Jason Taumalolo. Soni Luke was named 14th man, while Griffin Neame (shoulder/calf) and John Bateman (wrist) were listed as reserves, returning from their own injury concerns. Young gun Liam Sutton and PNG international Robert Derby were also part of the extended squad.
Dragons and Bulldogs Battle in Second Vegas Match
In the second match of the day, the Bulldogs took on the Dragons, with both teams fielding lineups bolstered by returning players and debutants. The Bulldogs saw the return of five-eighth Matt Burton after a hamstring scare during the Pre-Season Challenge, and winger Marcelo Montoya, recovering from an ankle injury sustained in Round 27 of the previous year. Jacob Kiraz also made his season debut on the opposite wing.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo utilized the expanded six-man bench, naming Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Harry Hayes, Josh Curran, Sean O’Sullivan, and Jake Turpin as interchange options. The majority of the Bulldogs squad had already seen game time in their Pre-Season Challenge win over the Knights.
The Dragons also welcomed back key players, with forwards Josh Kerr (ankle) and Hame Sele (head knock), and centre Val Holmes (shoulder) all named to play. Dan Atkinson made his NRL debut for the Red V in Las Vegas, while Setu Tu also debuted for the Dragons, coming over from the Warriors. Playmakers Lyhkan King-Togia and Panthers recruit David Fale were named as the 18th and 19th men, respectively. Clint Gutherson captained the Dragons, aiming to lead them back to the finals for the first time since 2018.
The opening round in Las Vegas represents a significant step for the NRL, expanding its reach into the North American market. The games were broadcast live in Australia on Fox and Kayo from 11:00 am (AEDT), with the main event shown on Nine, Fox, and Kayo from 3:30 pm (AEDT). The league is hoping to capitalize on the exposure and build a fanbase in the United States, potentially paving the way for future matches and a greater presence in the region.
The success of the Las Vegas round will undoubtedly be a key talking point in the coming weeks, as the NRL season unfolds. The return of key players and the emergence of new talent will be closely watched, as teams battle for premiership contention. The Knights’ strong start, fueled by Ponga’s return, and the Dragons’ debutants will be storylines to follow as the season progresses.