The most memorable NRL Grand Final celebrity performances of all time
It's not just about the athletes when we talk about the on-field action at the NRL Grand Final – in fact, depending on how it goes, the celebrity pre-match performance can end up the most talked-about moment of the night.
Don't believe us? Read on to see some of the most memorable celebrity pre-match performances in the history of the NRL.
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Billy Idol in 2002
British-American musician Billy Idol looks like he's having the time of his life in this photo – but it was short-lived.
He'd come out onto the field on a hovercraft and spent a solid one minute and 10 seconds revving up the crowd at Telstra Stadium, getting both Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors fans to cheer when their team's name was called.
But the cheers quickly descended into a cacophony of boos when it was revealed there was no power on the field...
Billy Idol in 2002
A staffer came onto the stage and told Idol that his services were no longer required, with malfunction not only cutting out the power but also any chance of Idol starting his mini-concert in earnest.
The show didn't go on, but the game did, with the Roosters beating the Warriors by 22 points.
Good Charlotte in 2012
Three years before marrying Cameron Diaz, friend of Australia Benji Madden and his brother Joel Madden (pictured) performed as Good Charlotte at the NRL Grand Final.
Both brothers wore studded denim vests with NRL jerseys underneath – but it was Benji's choice of jersey that raised eyebrows...
Good Charlotte in 2012
While Joel wore a Bulldogs jersey, Benji wore a South Sydney Rabbitohs jersey – and although that move may have pleased Russell Crowe, it was a confusing choice.
The Bulldogs were playing that night, but the Rabbitohs were very much not.
Instead, it was Melbourne Storm who emerged victorious, beating Canterbury-Bankstown by 10 points to claim their second premiership title since their 2007 and 2009 victories were stripped following the salary cap scandal.
Gang of Youths in 2018
Another NRL Grand Final, another celebrity guest representing their team.
If you look closely behind Gang of Youths' David Le'aupepe, you'll see drummer Donnie Borzestowski wearing what appeared to be a Knights jersey... even though they weren't in the final.
Gang of Youths in 2018
Gang of Youths' energetic pre-match show was for the Roosters vs Storm decider, which saw the Sydney side beat Melbourne's team by a whopping 15 points.
But it wasn't just Gang of Youths who performed...
Gang of Youths in 2018
In addition to Samantha Jade singing the national anthem, Daryl Braithwaite was brought onto the field to sing The Horses during Gang of Youths' set.
Hoodoo Gurus in 2007
If there was ever any doubt that the league had a new theme song, that was well and truly erased by the time the Hoodoo Gurus stepped off the field.
One year after performing alongside INXS at the event and four years after performing alongside Meat Loaf and Kelly Clarkson, the Australian rock and roll hall of famers performed solo.
That's My Team – a re-jigged version of their 1987 hit song What's My Scene? – was a major part of their set, and was such a hit when it was introduced as the NRL theme song in 2003 that it remained so for five years.
The 2007 grand final performance ended up being the last time it was used, with That's My Team being retired in 2008.
INXS in 2006
The Hoodoo Gurus' cameo during INXS' pre-match performance in 2006 wasn't the only memorable thing about the Aussie rock group's set – nor was the massive replica of the premiership trophy that they performed in front of...
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