Get ready for a clash that promises to ignite the 2026 NRL season! The Bulldogs and Dragons are set to battle it out at Allegiant Stadium, and the stakes are higher than ever. Both teams have trimmed their squads to a lean 20 players, leaving no room for error as they prepare for tomorrow’s showdown. But here’s where it gets interesting: the lineups are packed with talent, strategy, and a few surprises that could shift the game’s momentum in an instant. And this is the part most people miss—the bench players could be the game-changers, with both sides boasting depth that could turn the tide in the final minutes.
Bulldogs Squad:
Starting Lineup:
1. Connor Tracey (Fullback) – A reliable last line of defense.
2. Jacob Kiraz (Wing) – Speedster with a knack for finding the try line.
3. Bronson Xerri (Centre) – Powerful runner with a sharp eye for gaps.
4. Stephen Crichton (Centre) – A playmaker with a knack for creating opportunities.
5. Marcelo Montoya (Wing) – Consistent performer with a strong aerial game.
6. Matt Burton (Five-eighth) – Creative playmaker with a booming kick.
7. Lachlan Galvin (Halfback) – Young talent with a bright future.
8. Max King (Prop) – A powerhouse in the middle.
9. Bailey Hayward (Hooker) – Agile and quick around the rucks.
10. Samuel Hughes (Prop) – Solid in defense and strong in the carry.
11. Viliame Kikau (Second Row) – A game-changer with his offloads and runs.
12. Jacob Preston (Second Row) – Hard-working forward with a high work rate.
13. Jaeman Salmon (Lock) – Versatile player who can impact both attack and defense.
Interchange:
14. Kurt Mann – Utility player with experience across multiple positions.
15. Sitili Tupouniua – Strong runner with a physical presence.
16. Harry Hayes – Young talent ready to make an impact.
17. Josh Curran – Tenacious forward with a never-say-die attitude.
19. Sean O'Sullivan – Skilled halfback with a cool head under pressure.
20. Jake Turpin – Reliable hooker with a strong defensive game.
Reserves:
21. Enari Tuala – A player waiting for his chance to shine.
Dragons Squad:
Starting Lineup:
1. Clinton Gutherson (Fullback) – A seasoned campaigner with a sharp eye.
2. Christian Tuipulotu (Wing) – Speed and agility on the edges.
3. Moses Suli (Centre) – Strong and powerful with a great defensive game.
4. Valentine Holmes (Centre) – A game-changer with his versatility and skill.
5. Setu Tu (Wing) – Young talent with a bright future.
6. Kyle Flanagan (Five-eighth) – Creative playmaker with a cool head.
7. Daniel Atkinson (Halfback) – Quick thinker with a precise kicking game.
8. Emre Guler (Prop) – A workhorse in the middle.
9. Damien Cook (Hooker) – One of the best hookers in the game with his speed and skill.
10. Toby Couchman (Prop) – Strong and consistent in the forward pack.
11. Luciano Leilua (Second Row) – A powerhouse with a high work rate.
12. Jaydn Su'A (Second Row) – Physical presence with a strong defensive game.
13. Hamish Stewart (Lock) – Versatile player who can impact both attack and defense.
Interchange:
14. Hame Sele – Strong forward with a physical presence.
15. Josh Kerr – Tenacious player with a high work rate.
16. Blake Lawrie – Reliable forward with a strong defensive game.
17. Ryan Couchman – Young talent ready to make an impact.
18. Lyhkan King-Togia – A player waiting for his chance to shine.
21. Mathew Feagai – Skilled player with potential to change the game.
Reserves:
22. Tyrell Sloan – A player on the bench ready to step up.
Controversial Take: With both teams boasting such strong lineups, the real question is—will the starting XIII or the bench players decide this match? The Dragons’ depth seems slightly stronger on paper, but the Bulldogs’ starting pack is nothing to sneeze at. What do you think? Will experience or fresh legs win the day? Let us know in the comments!
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