Women’s Test wiped from NRL’s 2026 Las Vegas schedule

NSW women’s State of Origin coach John Strange hopes to see a women’s game reintroduced to the Las Vegas schedule in 2027 but says the NRL must rethink what that looks like after the Jillaroos thrashed England earlier this year.

The women’s Test has officially been ditched for 2026, with the NRL confirming the Bulldogs, St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Newcastle will open the season in the US in 2026.

The Bulldogs will play the Dragons, while the Knights will face the Cowboys. There will also be a Super League match after thousands of fans made the trip across from the UK to Vegas.

But Australia’s thumping 90-4 victory in the women’s game at Allegiant Stadium wasn’t what organisers had hoped for and showed just how far ahead the NRLW competition was compared with the English league.

NRL officials conceded that four matches were too many this year and there was a sense of fan fatigue, but that shouldn’t spell the end of women’s matches in America.

Strange can accept not having a game next year but says it’s imperative that changes are made to ensure there is a women’s match going forward to help showcase Australia’s incredible talent on the world stage.

“I think if they took it away for a year but then rethought it and then brought it back the next year in a better format then (that would be good),” he said.

“Sometimes I think you have to take a step backwards to go forwards.

“I think that it’s really important that they’re in there every year.

“It’s a great spectacle for the world, but a bit of thought needs to go into it to make sure it’s a good product.

“We all know what happened last time. I think it’s clear everyone knows that the domestic product in the NRLW is a lot stronger than the domestic competition in England.

“Whether it’s an Origin game or the two grand finalists from the previous year, I’d be happy either way because if I’m Origin coach then I get to go to Vegas.”

Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould let slip on Tuesday that his club would be heading over in 2026, with chief executive Aaron Warburton thrilled to build on the club’s recent success in a new market.

“Since the NRL launched this initiative, we’ve been strategically planning for the right moment to bring the Bulldogs to Las Vegas,” he said.

“With our club’s growing momentum and passionate fan base, 2026 represents the perfect opportunity to showcase the Bulldogs on this global stage.”

“It’s an opportunity unlike any other for everyone involved in the club – whether they are part of the playing squad, commercial staff, member or supporter.

The rivalry between the Bulldogs and Dragons will be the highlight of next year’s Vegas event, with both sets of supporters expected to travel in huge numbers.

“If you’re looking for a huge match-up to sell the game globally, it doesn’t get much bigger than a clash between traditional rivals in the Dragons and Bulldogs,” Dragons chairman Andrew Lancaster said.

“We have a passionate and engaged fan base who we know will be keen to support our club in the US and with today’s announcement, Dragons fans are one step closer to an unforgettable Las Vegas 2026 experience.”