An impressive lineup of Australian artists is scheduled to perform during the pre-game festivities of this weekend’s NRL grand final. Leading the entertainment will be pop star Amy Shark, joined by fellow musicians from the beloved Newcastle band The Screaming Jets, electronic music duo Peking Duk, as well as rock bands Grinspoon and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.
This all-Australian ensemble will pay tribute to South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow, who mentioned in an interview with ABC that he was unaware of any plans for him to take a lap of honor around Stadium Australia on Sunday. Reports indicate that Shark, who previously performed at the 2020 NRL grand final, and the other artists will deliver a selection of cover songs, including the famous Liverpool FC anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
It has been reported that the performance fees for each artist will be donated to support motor neurone disease initiatives. The announcement of this musical tribute follows unsuccessful negotiations between the NRL and Tones And I, which left the grand final without a primary entertainment act. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the negotiations faltered over the NRL’s request for her to perform her hit “Dance Monkey,” which she declined.
Furthermore, Tones And I’s management clarified that she was unable to take part due to prior touring commitments with Macklemore in the United States, stating, “Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing. Due to the last-minute nature and prior commitments by Tones, we were unable to accept the offer.” This situation led to speculation regarding alternative acts for the pre-match show, with Daniel Johns of Silverchair dismissing rumors of a band reunion to support their local team, the Newcastle Knights.
Peter V’Landys, chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission, expressed to ABC that the nearly $1 million budget allocated for pre-game entertainment could be better utilized. He stated, “I’d prefer to see 20,000 underprivileged kids who can’t afford to play rugby league play rugby league, rather than spend $1 million on 11 minutes of a musical performance. You spend money to get outcomes, and I think it’s a better outcome to get kids that can’t afford to play with their mates, gear etc., to play rugby league.”
Additionally, V’Landys announced that the league would be contributing $100,000 to Arrow’s family, following his recent exit from the NRL after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease earlier this year. The grand final has a history of featuring pre-match performances, which included international star Teddy Swims last year and notable past performers like Billy Idol and Tina Turner.
