In a stunning backflip, the NRL has gone from having no grand final entertainment to a host of Aussie artists, headlined by much-loved singer-songwriter Amy Shark.
The indie pop diva will lead the show, alongside Grinspoon, The Screaming Jets, Peking Duk and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jai Arrow tribute planned for NRL Grand Final
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As has previously been reported, the artists will pay tribute to Jai Arrow, the South Sydney Rabbitohs star who was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Arrow will complete a lap of honour at about 7.10pm while a group of Aussie musicians will perform the iconic song You’ll Never Walk Alone.
The NRL had faced public backlash over the decision to go without pre-match entertainment, after talks broke down with Australian artist Tones and I.
Then, following the headline-grabbing performance by Kylie Minogue at the AFL grand final, the NRL came in for more criticism.
Peter V’landys had insisted last week it was not an issue that the NRL would go without, comparing the pre-match entertainment to a pickle in a burger.
The executive chairman had also pledged to spend $1 million on grassroots rugby league, instead of having that money allocated towards an artist.
Then came the backflip, with V’landys saying the entertainment was back on.
“I’ve got to tell you it’ll be the highest-rating 11 minutes you will ever see, because no one knows what it is, and we won’t tell until the night,” V’landys said.
Well, that hasn’t worked out as planned for the NRL with the entertainment leaked out to media on Friday.
The musicians will reportedly donate their appearance fees to MND causes.
Earlier in the week, there had been a push to lure Aussie music legends Silverchair to the NRL stage on Sunday, given their links to the Newcastle Knights.
But, sadly for fans of the rock band behind classics such as Tomorrow, Freak, Anthem for the Year 2000 and Straight Lines, they said they weren’t ready for a re-union.
Former frontman Daniel Johns hosed down appeals for them to reform as a one-off, but said: “For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something. GO KNIGHTS.”
“It’s all about the Knights this weekend. We love how footy brings this community together and it’s pretty special watching the whole Steel City get behind the boys,” Johns said.
“Thanks to everyone who’s asked if we’re playing before the game.”
Silverchair announced an “indefinite hiatus” in 2011 and have not performed since 2010.
