Source: Radio New Zealand
National Rugby League players Spencer Leniu (3rd L), Billy Walters (5th L), Aaron Woods (C) and Campbell Graham (3rd R) pose with Las Vegas showgirls, an Elvis impersonator and Fijian warriors. Vegas Promo Tour at Allegiant Stadium on December 12, 2023. David Becker
The National Rugby League competition kicks off on Sunday in Las Vegas, with four teams making the trip to start the season – the Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs and Dragons.
This is the third year the NRL has taken its first round to Las Vegas to put on a showpiece for the American market.
But it’s also round one of 27 to try and make it to the much-coveted grand final.
Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya said they still needed to focus on the result.
“For us it’s important that we get the two points,” he said.
“I know we’re going there to play and it’s exciting but at the top of our minds when we go there – the two points is what’s important for us.”
The Bulldogs play the Dragons in Vegas, after the Knights and Cowboys open season 2026 at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium.
It’s a long way from home for all of the teams, but some fans are expected to follow them over to Sin City.
Knights centre Dane Gagai said Newcastle fans tended to come out of the woodwork in most places.
“Knights fans turn up everywhere,” he said.
“No matter where you go, up north Queensland, they’re just everywhere, so I’m sure we’re going to have a fairly good turnout over in Vegas.
“I know people have already got their tickets and they’ve been mentioning that they can’t wait to get over there and watch us play, so hopefully we cannot disappoint.”
The Vegas season opener was introduced to the NRL in 2024.
On offer this week have been the Las Vegas Nines, a signing session, a school gala, and OzFest, and Scotland will play the USA in a triple header – the under-19 youth teams, the women’s sides and the men’s teams – at Cougar Stadium.
Super League teams Hull and Leeds will kick off the match day, which is Saturday local time, Sunday for most of the Pacific.
Game one of the new season kicks off at 1:15pm on Sunday (AEDT) – Knights versus Cowboys.
Now-retired Cowboy Chad Townsend told the NRL’s Game Plan show about the players to watch in his old team.
“For me the keys to attack for the North Queensland Cowboys… Scott Drinkwater… led the Cowboys in line-break assists and try assists last year.
“Tom Deardon – obviously the show-and-go we know is elite, defensively very sound, great leader; and Jaxon Purdue.”
After the Vegas games, the remainder of round one continues in Australia – and in Auckland, for the Warriors hosting the Roosters – from 5-8 March.
The Broncos are the defending champions. They also made it to the final of the World Club Challenge earlier this month, but lost 30-24 to Hull.
The Broncos will face the Panthers in the first round.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
