Canterbury Bulldogs to add player names to jerseys for Las Vegas launch

Canterbury will break from tradition and add a surprise twist when they run out for their 2026 NRL season opener in Las Vegas, in what’s been described as a win for fans.

The Canterbury Bulldogs are following the NBA and NFL by adding players surnames to their jersey for their 2026 season launch in Las Vegas.

And in a major marketing and merchandise play, the Bulldogs are also poised to become the first NRL club to sell personalised jerseys with players’ surnames sublimated on the back across retail outlets.

“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,” Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said.

Leo Thompson, Max King, Stephen Crichton and Jacob Kiraz. Picture: Canterbury Bulldogs

“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.”

Canterbury will play St George Illawarra as part of a triple header at Allegiant Stadium on March 1 that also features Newcastle taking on North Queensland, and a Super League clash between premiers Hull KR and Leeds.

The players’ names are displayed over the pouch that holds the GPS tracker, which collates players’ stats throughout the game.

“Fans can wear their favourite player’s name knowing it’s the exact same jersey being worn on rugby league’s biggest stage,” Warburton said.

“Whether you’re making the trip to Vegas or watching from home, you’re connected to that moment.

Local junior Jacob Kiraz with his name on the back of the Bulldogs jersey. Picture: Canterbury Bulldogs

The players’ names sit across the pouch that holds the GPS tracker, which collates players’ stats throughout the game. Picture: Canterbury Bulldogs

“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.”

Warburton said KFC – the club’s NRL Upper Back Partner – were content with the addition of players’ surnames.

“KFC understood immediately that this was about the fans and players,’’ Warburton said.

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

Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs to add player names to jerseys for Las Vegas launch