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NRL Vegas 2026 Preview and Tips: Best Bets from Ryan and Jez

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Thu 26 Feb 2026 11:27

Jeremy Darke 26 Feb 2026

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Knights vs Cowboys: Defensive strategies will play pivotal roles; Newcastle's improved attack is crucial.
Bulldogs vs Dragons: Bulldogs' defense could secure a decisive win; Dragons lack consistent firepower.
Both matches offer unique betting angles; key insights suggest focusing on defensive strengths.

NRL Vegas 2026 Preview and Tips

NRL Vegas 2026 Preview: Ryan and Jez Lock In Their Best Bets

The NRL season is officially back and once again we’re kicking things off in Las Vegas.

NRL Vegas 2026 Preview: Ryan and Jez Lock In Their Best Bets
Knights vs Cowboys
Knights vs Cowboys Best Bet
Bulldogs vs Dragons
Bulldogs vs Dragons Best Bet
Bulldogs vs Dragons Best Bet

It might not be the sexiest double-header on paper, but Round 1 always brings chaos, overreactions and betting angles if you’re willing to dig a little deeper. Ryan’s been in the numbers cave all week, Jez is backing feel over spreadsheets, and somewhere in the middle we’ve found a couple of plays we actually agree on.

Round 1 is usually tighter than people expect. Defence tends to be ahead of attack, combinations are still clunky and coaches are happy to grind. That matters, especially in neutral venue games like this.

Two games. Four teams with very different expectations. Let’s break them down and find the best bets.

Knights vs Cowboys

(Full Match Preview)

Line: Cowboys -4.5

Total: Around 42.5

Ryan’s take: This number feels short.

Newcastle’s issue last year was simple. They couldn’t score. Their defence, outside of that ugly late-season collapse, has been solid for years. The addition of Dylan Brown should lift the ceiling of their attack, even if it takes a few weeks to fully click.

North Queensland’s problem was the opposite. They leaked points. A lot of them. And they haven’t drastically changed the roster.

Jez’s take: If the Cowboys don’t shut off for 20 minutes like they did last year they probably win this comfortably. But if they do, Newcastle are right in it. Round 1 is not the time to assume attacking perfection.

This feels like one of those games where both sides are still figuring it out. Tight. Physical. Probably decided late.

Knights vs Cowboys Best Bet

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If Newcastle’s defence travels and their attack is even slightly improved, they’re covering this number. Ryan’s numbers love it. Jez doesn’t hate it. That’s enough.

Bulldogs vs Dragons

(Full Match Preview)

Line: Bulldogs -7.5

Total: 40.5 Points

This is the pressure game of the weekend.

The Bulldogs can’t hide behind “rebuild” anymore. They’re stacked. They’ve had time. Now it’s about delivery.

Ryan’s angle is simple. Canterbury’s defence at the start of last season was elite. Fresh legs, fresh systems, early-season discipline. If they bring that same energy here, the Dragons are going to struggle to score enough to keep pace.

Jez’s counter: St George are unpredictable. They’ve got moments in them. But over 80 minutes, do they have the firepower? Probably not.

The Dragons still feel like a team searching for identity. The Bulldogs feel like a team that knows exactly who they are defensively.

Round 1 usually favours defence. That’s a tick for Canterbury.