As the St George Illawarra Dragons kick off their pre-season training, club CEO Tim Watsford has provided exclusive insights into the team's preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 NRL campaign.
The Dragons are preparing for a landmark season that includes their inaugural Las Vegas appearance and the opening of their state-of-the-art Bruce Gordon Centre, marking significant milestones for the club.
2026 Draw and Home Ground Strategy
The confirmed 2026 schedule will see the Dragons play five games each at WIN Stadium in Wollongong and Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah, a slight reduction from the six matches hosted at each venue during the 2025 season.
The club will launch their home campaign with a round 2 blockbuster against Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium, followed by a clash with North Queensland Cowboys at Jubilee Stadium three weeks later.
While the team maintains twelve home games overall, two will be played at alternative venues, including the traditional ANZAC Day match against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium.
"We love playing in our heartland," Watsford emphasised. "However, Allianz Stadium provides an opportunity to expand our reach and potentially attract larger crowds for these special occasions."
Las Vegas Adventure and New Facilities
The Dragons' participation in the NRL's third Las Vegas venture has generated considerable excitement among players and supporters alike. The club will join the Bulldogs, Knights and Cowboys for the overseas opening round.
"The prospect of starting our season in Las Vegas is incredibly exciting," Watsford revealed. "We're treating this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a major club with high expectations for 2026, facing the Bulldogs in Vegas represents a spectacular way to commence our campaign."
The Bruce Gordon Centre at the University of Wollongong remains on track for a May 2026 opening, with construction progressing steadily. Watsford described the facility as a "watershed moment" for the organisation.
"This will be the first time in 25 years that our entire playing group, staff and key stakeholders are united under one roof," he explained. "It represents a significant transformation in our operational capabilities and provides a genuine point of difference with its state-of-the-art design."
Community Access and Player Updates
The Bruce Gordon Centre will serve as a community high-performance facility, with various spaces available for hire by sporting organisations and community groups. The complex includes elite and community training fields, classrooms, auditorium and gym facilities.
"The community field is specifically designated for community use, which was a fundamental consideration in the centre's development," Watsford confirmed. "We're excited that this will become a home for everyone connected with the Dragons and rugby league throughout the Illawarra region."
Pre-season training has commenced with intensity, featuring the traditional Mount Keira run that left several players with "red faces" according to the CEO. Both men's and women's squads have returned with strong determination to build fitness ahead of the Christmas break.
Watsford highlighted captain Clint Gutherson's leadership during early sessions, noting that "the experienced players are setting the standard, which is fantastic to see."
Regarding injured players, the news appears positive. Youngsters Dylan Egan (ACL), Ryan (ACL) and Toby Couchman (shoulder) are progressing well in their recoveries from 2025 injuries.
Ryan is expected to make the earliest return following his round one ACL injury, with typical recovery timelines suggesting he could be available near the start of the season. Egan is anticipated back within the opening rounds, while the Couchman brothers continue their rehabilitation programs.
When questioned about the Dragons' finals prospects after seven seasons outside the top eight, Watsford remained cautiously optimistic. "The new facilities will undoubtedly support our success, but they're not a magic solution. Hard work and collective commitment remain paramount to transforming our on-field performance in the coming years."
The Dragons community now awaits the 2026 season with renewed optimism, bolstered by significant infrastructure developments and an exciting international season opener that could set the tone for the club's future trajectory.
