Bulldogs v Dragons: Burton on track; Dan's the man
Two of the game's biggest clubs are set to collide under the bright lights of Las Vegas as the Bulldogs and Dragons go head-to-head at Allegiant Stadium.
The match will round out a triple-header in the US entertainment capital and both teams are set to put on a show for the fans.
It's an early chance for Dan Atkinson to make his mark as the Dragons new halfback after an off-season switch from the Sharks.
The playmaker will combine with Kyle Flanagan in the halves, with Damien Cook to pull the strings from dummy half.
St George Illawarra challenged the best teams in the competition last year but their inability to close out tight contests ultimately crippled their finals hopes. Fans are hopeful Atkinson's arrival will change that as Shane Flanagan chases a top-eight finish in his third year in charge.
There has also been plenty of intrigue around the Canterbury halves throughout the summer as talented 20-year-old Lachlan Galvin enters his first full season at the club.
The youngster joined the Bulldogs midway through last year and is expected to take a big step forward in 2026.
The loss of marquee recruit Leo Thompson to a calf tear is a major blow, but the injury provides a chance for the remainder of the forward pack to step up against a physical Dragons pack.
Canterbury have taken big steps forward in each of the past two seasons and have a chance to make a statement as a genuine premiership contender in Las Vegas.
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Bulldogs: Five-eighth Matt Burton is good to go after a hamstring scare during the Pre-Season Challenge while winger Marcelo Montoya makes his return from an ankle injury suffered in Round 27 last year. Jacob Kiraz will play his first game of the season on the other wing. Apart from the two wingers, every other member of the squad named to face the Dragons took the field in the Pre-Season Challenge win over the Knights a fortnight ago. With the introduction of a six-man bench, Cameron Ciraldo has named Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Harry Hayes, Josh Curran, new signing Sean O'Sullivan and Jake Turpin on his interchange.
Dragons: Forwards Josh Kerr (ankle) and Hame Sele (head knock) and centre Val Holmes (shoulder) have all been named to play at Allegiant Stadium. Former Shark Dan Atkinson and ex-Warrior Setu Tu will play their first NRL game for the Red V on the big stage in Las Vegas. Playmaker Lyhkan King-Togia and Panthers recruit David Fale are the No.18 and No.19. Clint Gutherson will skipper a Dragons outfit looking to return to the finals for the first time since 2018.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Dragons is number 2 Christian Tuipulotu
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Dragons is number 3 Moses Suli
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger for Dragons is number 5 Setu Tu
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Kyle Flanagan
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan GalvinHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Daniel Atkinson
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Dragons is number 8 Emre Guler
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey HaywardHooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel HughesProp for Dragons is number 10 Toby Couchman
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'A
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman SalmonLock for Dragons is number 13 Hamish Stewart
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt MannInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Hame Sele
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Sitili TupouniuaInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Josh Kerr
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry HayesInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Blake Lawrie
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Josh CurranInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Ryan Couchman
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Sean O'SullivanInterchange for Dragons is number 18 Lyhkan King-Togia
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Jake TurpinInterchange for Dragons is number 19 David Fale
Reserves
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Enari TualaReserve for Dragons is number 20 Jacob Halangahu
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Jonathan SuaReserve for Dragons is number 21 Mathew Feagai
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 23 Alekolasimi JonesReserve for Dragons is number 22 Tyrell Sloan
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won their past five games against the Dragons.
- A Dragons outside back has scored a hat-trick in the team’s last three Round 1 games.
- Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored six tries in five games against the Dragons.
- Dragons pair Damien Cook and Daniel Atkinson will make their second appearance at Allegiant Stadium.
- Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau has won nine from nine against the Dragons.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
