The long-running debate among rugby league fans about player surnames on jerseys may finally be settled, with Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton revealing the idea is closer than ever to reality.
Warburton confirmed that discussions with the NRL are well advanced, with the Las Vegas 2026 opener looming as the likely testing ground. Names last appeared in the Super League era before sponsor logos took precedence, but fan demand has kept the issue alive.
Vegas the proving ground
“Surnames on jerseys is very real,” Warburton told SEN 1170 Mornings. “We are talking with the NRL about the logistics, and there’s a few more hurdles to jump to make sure that’s a reality come round 1 in Vegas, where not only will jerseys feature surnames, but fans will be able to order them with names on.
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“I’ve said to Andrew [Abdo] and the team that if it works in Vegas then why not do it a couple of times a year like Gather Round. Do the fans want names, do they buy jerseys, can we renumerate the players?”
Warburton argued that heritage wouldn’t be lost, pointing out that jersey numbers linked to playing positions could still be preserved. “Jerseys for us would arrive with all the names sublimated, and we can mix and match numbers if players change. I love the history behind 1-17, there’s a lot of heritage and consistency that works.”
While some clubs have previously raised concerns about the financial impact, Warburton believes the shift could reshape fan engagement and commercial returns. “We will look back and say, ‘I can’t believe we didn’t have names’.”