<p>Footy fans rejoice, it’s happening, it’s finally happening. That’s right, after months of waiting filled with trades, trials and terrible trims (at least Lachie Galvin has finally fixed his), <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl">the NRL</a> returns this weekend.</p> <p>It is set to return in style too. As has become custom in recent years, the new NRL season will launch under the bright lights of Las Vegas.</p> <p>Four teams will head stateside to kickstart&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/round-1">NRL Round 1</a> a week earlier than the rest of the competition, as the Greatest Game of Game of all attempts to grow its profile overseas.</p> <p>This year the Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons will be the sides flying the flag for Rugby League in Sin City.</p> <p>A new season always brings a renewed sense of hope and optimism from clubs and supporters alike, so let’s see who can convert this off-field belief into on-field results.</p> <p>For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of the Las Vegas launch of the 2026 NRL season, check out our expert NRL Round 1 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, March 1, 12:15pm AEST – Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Newcastle Nights and the North Queensland Cowboys get the honour of cutting the ribbon for the 2026 NRL season, when they go head-to-head in Las Vegas on Sunday arvo.</p> <p>Both of these sides suffered disappointing seasons in 2025 and will be hoping to get off to positive starts here, with Newcastle in particular in need of major improvements after claiming the wooden spoon last year.</p> <p>Those improvements have already started off the field, with a new coach and new five-eighth onboard, but will it be enough to see instant results?</p> <p>The Cowboys, missed out on finals footy last term, despite easily having a top eight side on paper, so another September-less season could very easily spell the end for Todd Payten.</p> <p>Early signs are good for the embattled coach, with two impressive pre-season wins already in the can.</p> <p>The return of free-running back rower Heilum Luki after a long injury lay off has certainly caught the eye of those following the trials and the 24-year-old could be in for a big year.</p> <p>Ok, decision time for this one. We are sure with their recent recruitment and a new man at the helm; Newcastle will be one of the most improved teams this year.</p> <p>However, the wounds of yesteryear coupled with their pre-season performances, indicate that it is going to take some time for the Novocastrians to fully heal. We’re taking the Cowboys here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/newcastle-knights-v-nth-queensland-cowboys-9835591">North Queensland Cowboys.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Heilum Luki first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Canterbury Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction</h2> <p><strong><em>Sunday, March 1, 2:30pm AEST – Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The second and final Vegas game of NRL Round 1 features the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons.</p> <p>The Bulldogs were unable to convert their impressive regular season into finals success last season, but you get the feeling they're getting closer and closer to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/every-clubs-current-premiership-drought">breaking their premiership drought.</a></p> <p>Start recruit Lachlan Galvin should now be properly integrated after a full pre-season with his new club and most of the heat from his acrimonious mid-season switch from the Tigers should have dissipated.</p> <p>On the other side of the field, just when you think the Dragons have hit rock bottom, they find a way to keep digging.</p> <p>They started the year with an embarrassing loss in the Charity Shield to a second-string Rabbitohs side that has only dampened their already soaking spirits and the bad news just keeps coming for the Red V.</p> <p>Their recent head-to-head record against the Bulldogs is enough to wipe away the last shred of confidence from even the most staunch St George supporter. Of the last five matches the Dragons have played against Canterbury, they’ve lost every single one.</p> <p>This is a stat line that for us is simply impossible to ignore, we’ll be backing the Bulldogs here, by a comfortable margin.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/canterbury-bulldogs-v-st-george-illawarra-dragons-9835589">Canterbury Bulldogs.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Big win little win – Bulldogs 13+&nbsp;</p>