NRL grand final goes without pre-match entertainment after Tones and I deal collapses
The league will redirect ~$1 million earmarked for a headline act to grassroots rugby league instead.
What to know
- The 2026 NRL grand final on October 4 will have no pre-match entertainment—the first time in the competition's history since 1998.
- Negotiations with Tones and I failed because the NRL insisted she perform Dance Monkey; she refused to commit to the song.
- NRL chair V'landys says the ~$1 million cost is better spent funding underprivileged children in grassroots rugby league than on 11 minutes of entertainment.
- The move is drawing criticism as embarrassing compared to rival sports: the AFL secured Kylie Minogue for its grand final, and the NFL brought the Jonas Brothers to Melbourne.
The dispute Whether spending ~$1 million on grassroots funding is a better investment than booking a headline entertainment act for the grand final's ceremonial appeal.
The NRL made the right call redirecting money to grassroots rugby league instead of spending it on entertainment.
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“I applaud his decision to use the funds to support grassroots rugby league, and particularly those children who may have financial constraints on their ability to participate.”
David Trodden · ABC Australia ↗
The NRL fumbled its grand final planning and failed to secure a headline act when others could; the absence of entertainment diminishes the event.
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“This year's NRL grand final will be as uncomfortably silent as Sunday dinner with your family. For the first time since the NRL's inception in 1998, the big game will have no pre-game entertainment.”
Robert Moran · Sydney Morning Herald ↗
“I applaud his decision to use the funds to support grassroots rugby league, and particularly those children who may have financial constraints on their ability to participate in such a wonderful community sport.”
David Trodden, NSWRL chief executive · ABC Australia ↗
Peter V'landys NRL chairmanTones and I Australian recording artistDavid Trodden NSWRL chief executive
How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articles
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Media criticismNRL's entertainment decision seen as embarrassing compared to rivals
Opinion coverage highlighted the NRL's misstep in contrast to the AFL securing Kylie Minogue for its grand final and the NFL bringing the Jonas Brothers to Melbourne. Critics noted the move undermines the celebration of the game's biggest day.
“I'd prefer to see 20,000 underprivileged kids who can't afford to play rugby league play rugby league, rather than spend a million dollars on 11 minutes of a musical performance.”
— Peter V'landys, NRL chairman · source -
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NRL announces grand final will have no pre-match entertainment
The NRL confirmed negotiations with Tones and I had fallen through and said it would go ahead without a headline act for the first time since the league's inception in 1998. Instead, ~$1 million will be redirected to grassroots rugby league.
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3 outlets first by ABC Australia, 6d ago · also Herald Sun, ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation · read ↗
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first by theage.com.au, 5d ago · also Sydney Morning Herald
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NRL and Tones and I negotiations collapse over Dance Monkey performance
Talks between the NRL and Tones and I broke down over the set list. The NRL wanted Tones and I to perform her 2019 hit Dance Monkey, which she refused to commit to. Tones and I has previously said publicly she "loathes" the song.
“Rather than giving a performer $90,000 a minute, we would prefer to give it to grassroots.”
— Peter V'landys -
first by Nine.com.au, 6d ago · also The Daily Telegraph
1 more headline
- NRL loses headline act Tones and I on eve of grand final The Daily Telegraph · 6d ago
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