NRL Round 1 Team Lists Confirmed: Ponga Returns, Debutants Named for Las Vegas

Team lists are in. The NRL released official Round 1 squads on Monday, and the Las Vegas triple-header on February 28 now has names attached to jersey numbers. Several storylines cut through the noise.

Cowboys vs Knights — Spine Talent on Display

Kalyn Ponga is back. The Newcastle Knights fullback has not played a competitive match since Round 17 last year after a foot injury that required extended rehabilitation. His return immediately elevates this fixture. Ponga at full fitness changes how defences structure their line, and his combination with new halves pairing Dylan Brown and Fletcher Sharpe — both cleared after hamstring concerns — gives Newcastle a spine that demands respect.

The North Queensland Cowboys could field as many as four club debutants. Reed Mahoney is the confirmed starter at hooker after his off-season recruitment. The Cowboys are building a new spine identity, and Las Vegas is where it begins.

This match has points written over it. Two clubs with attacking intent and new combinations finding their rhythm under the lights at Allegiant Stadium.

Bulldogs vs Dragons — Round 1 Headliner

Matt Burton is fit. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs five-eighth overcame a hamstring scare during the Pre-Season Challenge that had the club holding its breath. He will partner his halves combination from Round 1 as expected. Winger Marcelo Montoya also returns after an ankle injury suffered in Round 27 last year, adding experience to the Bulldogs’ outside backs.

Across the field, the St George Illawarra Dragons have named Dan Atkinson for his first NRL match in the Red V after crossing from the Sharks. Winger Setu Tu makes his NRL debut entirely, having arrived from the Warriors. New faces, new combinations, and Round 1 pressure at a neutral venue 12,000 kilometres from home.

Super League Opener

Hull KR face Leeds Rhinos in the card opener. The Super League fixture gives the English clubs prime-time American exposure and provides context for the NRL’s global expansion strategy. Two codes sharing one venue — the model the