‘Visible for the world to see’: Bulldogs announce major jersey change for Las Vegas game
A powerhouse NRL club will make history in Las Vegas next year after announcing a huge change that fans have been calling for.
The Bulldogs will be the most recognisable team in Las Vegas next year after the club announced its players would have their surnames on the back of jerseys at the round one showpiece event.
Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton flagged the innovative idea back in February when the club hadn’t even been confirmed to be heading to Vegas.
Warburton said he wanted the overseas extravaganza to be a “guinea pig” experiment and that the club would work hard with sponsors and the NRL to make it happen.
The hard work has paid off with KFC – the club’s upper back jersey sponsor – helping to make it work for the game against the Dragons on March 1.
Jerseys with names on the back are now available for pre-sale purchase, with the Bulldogs keen to make an impact in a new market just as the Melbourne Storm did when they entered the comp in 1998 with names on their jerseys.
“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,” Warburton said.
“93 per cent 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.
“We’re taking rugby league to America where every major sport uses player names - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL.
“We’re adapting smartly to present our game properly to a new audience whilst giving our fans what they’ve been asking for.”
You asked, we listened ðŸ¤
— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) December 4, 2025
The boys will rep their surnames in Round 1 in Vegas and now you can wear them too.
Pre-sale live now: https://t.co/5LtwQa1W4ppic.twitter.com/6scwLXoNqg
Rugby League Players Association chief executive Clint Newton has backed the move and hopes it might 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.”
Originally published as ‘Visible for the world to see’: Bulldogs announce major jersey change for Las Vegas game
