Newcastle opens its 2026 campaign on the Vegas stage under new coach Justin Holbrook, charged with reviving an attack that averaged just 14 points per game last season. The arrival …

The post Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 1 2026 first appeared on Sports News Australia.

Canterbury’s steady rise under Cameron Ciraldo faces its latest test against a Dragons outfit still searching for consistency. The Bulldogs returned to the finals in 2024 and pushed into the …

The post Canterbury Bulldogs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 1 2026 first appeared on Sports News Australia.

Hyped Wests Tigers rookie Heamasi Makasini is in line to become the shock new face of American rugby league – with the barnstorming winger able to play Test footy for the United States.

Broncos forward Payne Haas has opened up on the “sleepless nights” behind his shock South Sydney switch and strong connection with coach Wayne Bennett that made a “hard” decision a lot easier.

Penrith Panthers rookie sensation Casey McLean has become the third New Zealand international to confirm interest in playing State of Origin football.

Peter V’landys has reignited code wars with the AFL and rugby union, taking cheeky digs at both rival sports after touching down in Las Vegas.

While the four Vegas teams have been locked in for this weekend’s season opening double header, there is still a bit of uncertainty around the make-up of the rest of the Round 1 teams.

It’s just before 10 o’clock on a still cool Las Vegas morning, and already Todd Payten is asking his sweaty Cowboys players how the lungs are feeling? Then, if everyone is good?

The Pre-Season Challenge is officially in the books and the focus now shifts to the 2026 season, but it’s worth noting some unheralded players around the league who have made a strong impression on teammates over the past two to three months.

Zac Lomax’s potential NRL return has been delayed again.