All in: The global goal driving Dragons bold Vegas bid
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The St George Illawarra Dragons are eyeing global expansion as they look to use a season-opening clash in Las Vegas to raise their international profile and connect with a new legion of fans.
The Dragons have long been one of the most famous brands in Australian sport and club officials are using the NRL's season opener at Allegiant Stadium to elevate their status on the international stage.
Momentum is building ahead of the clash against the Bulldogs on February 28, with the first release of a special Vegas jersey selling out in just five days in December.
St George Illawarra CEO Tim Watsford said the match is a unique opportunity to attract a new fan base in America and around the world.
Showmen of Vegas: Tyrell Sloan
"It's a big year for the Dragons," Watsford told NRL.com. "We're looking to play on the biggest stage in front of a global audience. There is excitement around the club, we have a specially-designed Vegas jersey and we want our fans to enjoy this.
"There's an opportunity to do a lot of work on the ground and drive people to engage with our sport. Hats off to Andrew [Abdo] and Peter [V'landys] for taking on the concept. There's an appetite for us to extend our arms around elements of America. We're not going to shy away from that. How that shakes out is a work in progress but it's a big opportunity.
"With the broadcast alone, the reach that can be had throughout America is incredible. The interest on the ground is getting bigger and bigger. The people know we're coming, they know the games are on. It starts with the Fremont Street [launch] on the Thursday, then match-day is world class. We're looking to capitalise on all opportunities we can try and generate out of the trip."
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
The NRL will run multiple community events in Las Vegas in the lead up to the games, with a school gala day and nines competition to be held.
A UK Super League clash between Hull KR and Leeds will kick off the triple-header at Allegiant Stadium, before the Knights play the Cowboys and Dragons take on the Bulldogs.
St George Illawarra and Canterbury are two of the biggest teams in the competition, with Watsford keen to lean on his club's history to promote the side to a US audience.
Best finishes of 2025: Bulldogs v Dragons - Round 20
The Dragons won a historic 11-straight premierships from 1956 to 1966. The achievement surpasses the legendary Boston Celtics, who won 11 titles in 13 years in the from 1957 to 1969.
The team's history has elevated the club into one of Australia's most prestigious brands, with the Red V instantly recognisable for fans.
While he has only been in the job since June, Watsford has already studied European soccer powerhouses as he looks to turn St George Illawarra into an iconic global brand.
"Shane [Flanagan] said something interesting when I first came through the door," Watsford said. "He said 'we're a big club'. People will throw stones on that comment but it's a genuine fact.
"Our job now is to get those wins, climb the ladder and ensure we build a club going forward that thinks differently, that goes big. We're not putting ourselves against other NRL clubs, we're putting ourselves against global competitors.
"We have the ability to think differently based on our makeup and what our history brings. We are rich and we need to capitalise on our dual footprint in two areas to drive on-field success. We need to be better but I'm excited about the tide turning and what the future of the Dragons looks like."
The Dragons are entering the final stages of planning for the Vegas clash, with all four teams preparing for a pre-season double-header at Kogarah on February 7.
The season-opener will be the first official match for Dylan Brown in a Knights jersey after his much-hyped off-season move.
The playmaker is set to step into a Newcastle spine featuring fullback Kalyn Ponga and hooker Pheonix Crossland. Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe are in a shootout for the final spot in the halves.
Las Vegas tactics: Knights
Brown silenced many of the doubts about his move with a sublime Pacific Championships campaign, leading the Kiwis to Cup glory last November.
The competition provided Crossland with a chance to connect with his new Knights teammates and the New Zealand hooker said Brown will hit the ground running in Las Vegas.
"He'll fit right into our group at the Knights," Crossland said. "He's my golf partner, he's my half and now he's my teammate at club level.
"It's exciting to play in Vegas. I was chatting to a few of the Kiwi boys in camp about their experience over there and they've got nothing but good things to say about it.
"Everyone wants a ticket on the plane to Vegas. It doesn't matter who you are in the squad, we had such a disappointing year [in 2025] that everyone has to fight for their spot this year. Having Vegas is going to lift us to a new level, everyone wants to get on that plane but no one's guaranteed it so you have to work hard in pre-season."
Be there to witness history live at Allegiant Stadium. Tickets for the NRL's season opener are selling fast. Click HERE for ticket and travel packages.
