Bulldogs vs. Dragons Predictions – NRL Round 1 2026

The NRL in Las Vegas continues Sunday afternoon with Round 1 action between the Bulldogs vs. Dragons, which plays at 3:30pm at Allegiant Stadium.

The rivalry game is a great way to continue opening round action, and it’s the Bulldogs favoured to win at $1.43.

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Bulldogs vs. Dragons Predictions

Best Bet

Dragons +6.5 @ $1.90

It can be tough for punters to back the Dragons with confidence, but we firmly believe betting them in the first few rounds is better than backing them later in the season.

Typically, the Dragons lose confidence after results don’t go their way, but they should come at the Bulldogs with plenty of enthusiasm, and they have players who are set to make a big impression in Las Vegas.

We predict the likes of Christian Tuipolotu, Setu Tu, and Valentine Holmes wanting to play well. Holmes, who attempted to play NFL, is back on American soil, and he should show the expat and new fans what he’s all about.

The Bulldogs played well last year, and they are the better team, but the Dragons should do enough to keep it close in what could come down to the final few minutes.

Same Game Multi

Dragons +6.5, Christian Tuipulotu Anytime Try Scorer, Jacob Kiraz Anytime Try Scorer, Over 38.5 @ $12.50

There are two good try scorer bets for punters to enjoy on Sunday. Tuipolotu is a barnstorming runner of the ball, and although the Bulldogs defence is solid, they could struggle to stop him close to the line. $2.25 is a price worth including in NRL same game multi bets.

Jacob Kiraz knows how to score tries, and he comes off a big year for the Bulldogs. We see the winger crossing for the Bulldogs, and he’s the current favourite to score a try.

Punters get another low total points line at 38.5. It should be a quality contest, and with our final score prediction giving the Bulldogs a narrow 22-20 win, we’re including the over in our NRL picks this week.

Best Value Bet

Dragons First Half Winner @ $2.80

The Dragons have always been a team that plays its best in the opening few weeks, and we predict them coming out strong against the Bulldogs.

Getting $2.80 for a first half lead is better than expected, considering the Dragons are $2.86 to win the game outright. It’s a great value price, and although they could get beaten, it’s likely to come late in the game with a Bulldogs comeback.

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Daryl Curnow

About Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.