The Canterbury Bulldogs are advocating for a return to player surnames on the back of jerseys, a practice not seen in professional rugby league in Australia since the 1990s Super League era. Aiming to enhance the club’s visibility, CEO Aaron Warburton believes implementing this change could engage fans and align the Bulldogs with other global sports competitions.
With the Bulldogs set to submit a proposal for the 2026 Las Vegas games, Warburton argues that player names would contribute to the club’s branding. While some fans are keen on the idea, challenges may arise from the need for agreement among all 17 NRL clubs, particularly concerning the potential reduction of advertising space for sponsors on the jerseys.
Warburton acknowledges the complexities involved in securing widespread support but asserts that the Las Vegas games represent an ideal testing ground for the concept. Early discussions indicate that integrating player names could enhance sponsor visibility by increasing overall audience engagement, despite concerns over reducing their logo size. Notably, player names have not graced national competition jerseys since 1998, when the Melbourne Storm debuted with them. Ultimately, the Bulldogs are optimistic about engaging fans and exploring innovative avenues for match-day experiences.