NRL Make 2026 Vegas Games More Accessible With Charted Flights

The NRL has officially announced the teams that will kick off their season in Las Vegas next year, marking a significant event on the 2026 Australian sporting calendar, while the league will also charter flights from Sydney, Newcaslte and Townsville.

The pricing for the chartered flights is set at $2,800 return from Sydney, and $2,990 return from both Newcastle and Townsville, catering to fans looking to make the most of this exciting opportunity.

The Canterbury Bulldogs are set to square off against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, while the North Queensland Cowboys will take on the Newcastle Knights at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, February 28 2026 (March 1 in Australia).

Additionally, English Super League sides Hull Kingston Rovers and Leeds Rhinos will also clash during this series.

However, the league’s decision to reduce the total games from four to three means the women’s international match featuring the Jillaroos has been removed from the lineup.

This decision follows the Australian women’s team’s remarkable 90-4 victory over England earlier this year, which had previously raised expectations for their inclusion in the event.

Commenting on the logistical challenges posed by hosting multiple games in one day, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman, Peter V’landys, said: “It appeared that four games—two NRL, one Super League, and one women’s international—made for too long a day.”

On the event’s appeal, NRL chief executive, Andrew Abdo, said: “Las Vegas has become a bucket list item for not only NRL and Super League fans but for fans of world-class sport and entertainment.”

He further noted the league’s efforts to create affordable travel packages for fans, emphasising the opportunity to participate in a unique experience with family and friends.

The Vegas showcase previously featured a high-stakes match between premiership contenders Penrith and Cronulla, though it suffered from lower-than-expected attendance earlier this year.

An operational consideration was also noted, as Allegiant Stadium does not allow pass-outs for fans, a stark contrast to the arrangements at Lang Park for Magic Round.

Additionally, the NRL has expressed it’s intention to continue fostering a strong relationsihp with the Super League despite the cancelling of the Jillaroos match.

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