Overview
March 1, 2026 1:15 pm @ Allegiant Stadium
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Team News
Knights – 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Sandon Smith 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Francis Manuleleua 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Cody Hopwood 22. James Schiller
Cowboys – 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Kai O’Donnell 18. Griffin Neame 19. John Bateman 20. Liam Sutton 21. Matthew Lodge 22. Robert Derby
What We Like
Head coach Todd Payten may be under intense pressure at the Cowboys as he continues to fight for his job, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to rack up the wins. They showed plenty of promise during the trials with Jake Clifford and Reed Mahoney in the spine.
Final Thought
In the first match of the 2026 NRL season, it can be expected that plenty of points will be scored throughout the contest. Both teams are coming off poor campaigns in 2025 and have had several troubles with their defence lately.
March 1, 2026 3:30 pm @ Allegiant Stadium
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Team News
Bulldogs – 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jake Turpin 21. Enari Tuala 22. Jonathan Sua 23. Alekolasimi Jones
Dragons – 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Hame Sele 15. Josh Kerr 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. David Fale 20. Jacob Halangahu 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Tyrell Sloan
What We Like
Stephen Crichton has been one of the best performers at the Bulldogs since his arrival and also has the goal-kicking duties. Meanwhile, the Dragons are coming off a disappointing loss to a second-tier Rabbitohs side.
Final Thought
After going out in straight-sets during the 2025 NRL Finals campaign, the Canterbury Bulldogs will look to get their season off to a red-hot start. Meanwhile, there are still questions of the Dragons’ halves and if they are capable of leading around the attack.