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. 

Team News

Bulldogs: One late change 90 minutes before kick-off with Enari Tuala joining the six-man bench in place of Sean O'Sullivan, who drops out of the side. 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 took the field in the Pre-Season Challenge win over the Knights a fortnight ago. Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Harry Hayes, Josh Curran and Jake Turpin are also part of the bench.

Dragons: Hame Sele starts the game at lock and Hamish Stewart goes to the bench in a game day swap. Former Shark Dan Atkinson play his first NRL game for the Red V on the big stage in Las Vegas while winger Setu Tu makes his NRL debut after coming across from the Warriors. Clint Gutherson will skipper a Dragons outfit looking to return to the finals for the first time since 2018. David Fale and Jacob Halangahu dropped out of the squad when it was trimmed 24 hours before kick-off. 

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.