Bulldogs players to wear names on back of jerseys in Vegas initiative

Canterbury players will wear their names on the back of their jerseys when they take the field at Allegiant Stadium for the Round 1 match against St George Illawarra.

The Bulldogs play the Dragons and the Cowboys take on the Knights in the third edition of the NRL's Vegas venture, which includes the Super League clash between Hull KR and Leeds. 

Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said the club was following American sports by adding players surnames to their jerseys as a one-off for the Vegas fixture on February 28.

"We're taking rugby league to America where every major sport uses player names - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL," Warburton said.

“A player's surname represents their family, their heritage and their journey. When our players run out in Vegas, those names should be visible for the world to see,” 

While surnames on the back of player-worn jerseys have featured throughout various rugby league competitions and showpiece events, Warburton said the Bulldogs were the first NRL club to retail personalised jerseys with players’ surnames sublimated on the back.

The Bulldogs have been pushing for players to have their names on the back of their jerseys and Warburton there was strong support from fans.  

He said fans could now proudly wear a Crichton, Burton or Kiraz jersey with the name and number of their favourite player on the back.

"We're adapting smartly to present our game properly to a new audience whilst giving our fans what they've been asking for," Warburton said.

“Ninety-three percent of our fans want to see player names - we've heard them loud and clear. Vegas 2026 gives us the platform to deliver.  

“Fans can wear their favourite player's name knowing it's the exact same jersey being worn on rugby league's biggest stage. Whether you're making the trip to Vegas or watching from home, you're connected to that moment."

The initiative has been backed by the Rugby League Players Association with CEO Clint Newton sharing his excitement about how this could unlock further opportunities across the NRL in the future.

“Aaron and the Bulldogs have shown real leadership with an innovative club initiative, and we thank them for their willingness to collaborate with the RLPA on the idea,” Newton said.

“This partnership shows the value that clubs and players can unlock when they work proactively together.  

“Each club has a proud history, and each player has a name that is carried with pride.

"This initiative creates a unique bond between the two and sets a new benchmark that shows the incredible value of player IP and helps to create new and improved products for fans.”

Warburton also credited KFC – the club’s NRL Upper Back Partner – for their support.

“KFC understood immediately that this was about the fans and players," he said.

"They've been collaborative from day one and their support of this innovation is another example of why our partnership works so well.”