In a bid to mimic US sports for their Las Vegas showcase, the Bulldogs have launched special edition jerseys for next year’s opener against the Dragons.
Bulldogs players will have their surname on the back of their blue and white jerseys for their Las Vegas clash in 2026.
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In a club-issued statement released on Friday, the Bulldogs also announced that fans will be able to purchase these jerseys with players’ names and numbers on the back ahead of the 2026 season.
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“A player’s surname represents their family, their heritage and their journey. When our players run out in Vegas, those names should be visible for the world to see,” Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said.
“93 per cent of our fans want to see player names – we’ve heard them loud and clear. Vegas 2026 gives us the platform to deliver.
“We’re taking rugby league to America where every major sport uses player names – NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL. We’re adapting smartly to present our game properly to a new audience while giving our fans what they’ve been asking for.”
It’s unclear if the Bulldogs will feature name plated jerseys at other stages throughout the 2026 season.
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SHARKS SIGN RUGBY UNION LEGEND TO STAFF
The Sharks are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit for a premiership, signing a former French rugby union superstar to their coaching staff.
Frederic Michalak is set to join Craig Fitzgibbon’s staff in mid-2026 according to Code Sports to help cover the exit of new Titans coach Josh Hannay.
Michalak is a French rugby legend, representing his country in 77 Test matches across a 15-year international career at fly half and scrum half.
This will be Michalak’s second stint with Cronulla after working as the club’s kicking and skills consultant in 2022 – the same year Nicho Hynes won the Dally M Medal.
The former fly half will join the Sharks next season after his commitments with French rugby side Racing 92 end, where he’s currently the club’s attacking coach.
“Fred’s experience on the international stage will be an invaluable asset for our squad, especially heading into the business end of next season,” Fitzgibbon said via a club-issued statement.
“He’s already built strong relationships with many of our players and staff through his consultancy work and I have no doubt as to the value he’ll provide our program.”