LAS VEGAS — The National Rugby League is kicking off its season again with a doubleheader at Allegiant Field, marking the third consecutive year for this event.
As part of this tradition, the NRL introduces four new teams to Las Vegas annually.
This Saturday, the Queensland Cowboys will take on the Newcastle Knights at 9:15 PM ET, followed by the Canterbury Bulldogs competing against the St George Illawarra Dragons at 11:30 PM.
From last season’s standings, it seems the Bulldogs are the strongest of the bunch, finishing third in the regular season with a 16-8 record. In contrast, the Dragons struggled, landing 15th out of 17 teams with 8 wins and 16 losses.
In the opening game, the Cowboys, who have a record of 9 wins and 14 losses, will face the Knights, who had a particularly tough season, ending with only 6 wins and a goal differential of -300.
With a new coach, Justin Holbrook, at the helm, the Knights have undergone significant changes during the offseason, although their standing for 2025 is still uncertain.
Hoping to make a big impact, the Knights signed star halfback Dylan Brown to a hefty $13 million contract, aiming to enhance the performance of Kalyn Ponga, another key player.
On the Cowboys’ side, they come into the match on a winning streak from preseason games against the Bulldogs and Panthers.
They’ll also be introducing a fresh face, Reid Mahoney, as their hooker, and his effectiveness will be crucial for the Cowboys’ success this season.
The Dragons, however, didn’t fare well in their trial matches, losing both, including one against the Rabbitohs’ secondary team.
Matty Johns, a former league player and current Fox Sports analyst, shared his thoughts on the matchups, emphasizing the difference in play styles. “The Knights and Cowboys are both strong offensively, focusing on attack,” he noted. “But the other game is set to be more physical, with Bulldogs known for their toughness.”
Yvonne Sampson, another leading NRL analyst at Fox Sports, is particularly interested in how Brown will integrate with the Knights, especially given the pressure tied to his big contract. She remarked on the expectations that come with such a financial commitment.
Sampson pointed out that, while the Knights are counting on Brown to help push them forward, it’s also about developing a cohesive team dynamic with Ponga.
According to Johns, Ponga’s impressive individual capabilities must now translate into team leadership. “He’s an incredible talent, but it’s about becoming a leader,” he explained, highlighting the importance of legacy beyond just personal achievements.
Both analysts expect the Bulldogs-Dragons game to be quite intense. Sampson noted that the Bulldogs thrive on a defensive approach and have built their confidence through hard-earned wins, a style that can overwhelm opponents.
With pressure on the Dragons due to underwhelming preseason performances, they have much to prove. Johns aptly summarized the competitive balance among the teams, suggesting that, while talent levels may be similar, the Bulldogs could emerge victorious.
