NRL Las Vegas 2026 teams: Cowboys, Knights, Dragons and Bulldogs set to compete in season opener extravaganza

The Cowboys have staved off interest from other Queensland clubs to book a ticket to Vegas in 2026, while there’s a mouthwatering clash between two Sydney rivals on the cards. See the lineup.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Jeremiah Nanai of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the round 10 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Penrith Panthers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on May 10, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Cowboys have staved off interest from derby rivals the Dolphins to become Queensland’s next team to kick off the NRL season in Las Vegas.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys was keen for a Queensland team to be represented at Las Vegas 2026 and the NRL has rubber-stamped the Cowboys’ Sin City submission.

It is understood the Cowboys will play the Knights, while Sydney clubs the Dragons and Bulldogs will complete the double header at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium next year.

The Cowboys had initially expressed interest in travelling to America this year after seeing the success of long-term foes the Broncos as the NRL’s Vegas pioneers in 2024.

North Queensland ultimately decided not to make a formal submission after months of due diligence, with Canberra, Cronulla, the Warriors and Penrith taking part in Vegas 2.0.

But the Cowboys are officially on the plane for Vegas 2026, edging out the Dolphins as Queensland’s second representative for the third edition of the NRL’s bold five-year venture.

The Cowboys are heading to Vegas. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Redcliffe made a robust submission to the NRL and believed they could have been a promotional asset given the $100 million organisation shares the same nickname as NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

But the NRL has opted for the Cowboys, who will operate as the ‘away’ team at Allegiant Stadium, meaning the Knights will give up a home fixture to take on North Queensland at Vegas 3.0.

The Knights will be the home team against the Cowboys. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

V’landys told this masthead during Magic Round a fortnight ago that the NRL was keen to have a fresh Queensland presence following the success of the Broncos in year one.

“There will definitely be a Queensland team going,” V’landys said.

“It’s great having a Queensland team.

“We didn’t have one there this year and not having a Queensland team was not the optimum.

“The Broncos were a great success in our first season, so we will definitely be having a Queensland team in Vegas in 2026.”

The Dragons and Bulldogs will take on each other in the remaining fixture. Picture: NRL Photos

The Cowboys have spoken internally about a number of travel options over the past few months.

North Queensland have discussed holding possible camp locations at Seattle or Denver after the Broncos spent a week training in Los Angeles before shifting to Vegas.

Another option is for the Cowboys to head straight to Vegas, as Manly did in the inaugural season.

It is understood Cowboys hierarchy will meet with other NRL teams to discuss the logistics of the trip and how to minimise the strain of travel on North Queensland players.

More than 2500 Cowboys members have expressed interest in travelling to America’s gaming Mecca.

The NRL had discussions with the Cowboys about travelling as the home team but the club is committed to hosting marquee events at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.