Arabic version: دوري NRL يدرس إقامة النهائي الكبير من دون عرض فني قبل المباراة

According to ABC News, the NRL is prepared to stage its 2026 grand final without pre-match entertainment after talks with Australian artist Tones and I broke down.

Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’Landys said money set aside for a pre-game performance could instead increase funding for grassroots competitions. He said performances cost close to $1 million and argued the funding could help 20,000 underprivileged children who cannot afford to play rugby league.

“Our game sells itself,” V’Landys said. “People come to watch rugby league — they don’t come to watch a pop concert.” He said he was a fan of Tones and I, calling her a great performer with great songs, but said both sides had decided to go in a different direction.

V’Landys did not provide details of why negotiations broke down. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the issue centred on the NRL’s insistence that Tones and I perform Dance Monkey, which she had refused to do.

The possible change would end a regular grand-final tradition. Teddy Swims performed last year, while Billy Idol and Tina Turner have also appeared at the event. NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said he applauded the prospect of directing funds to grassroots rugby league, particularly for children facing financial constraints.