‘You will be impressed’: NRL boss Peter V’landys on what fans can expect from the emotional grand final entertainment
NRL boss Peter V’landys is staying tight-lipped on who exactly will be performing at the NRL Grand Final for the pre-kick off entertainment on Sunday night.
But he has officially confirmed that the entertainment will feature multiple Australian acts who will honour Jai Arrow, 30, who was forced to medically retire this year following a motor neurone diagnosis.
Peter V’landys is remaining tight-lipped about who will perform at the NRL Grand Final. Pictured at the 2026 Dally M Awards with his daughter. Getty Images
When asked about the pre-show entertainment at the Dally M Awards on Wednesday night in Sydney, the NRL boss told media: “We’re going to honour Jai, and not only Jai, but people that are doing it tough at the moment.
“We got some very special Australian performers that are going to perform some really good songs to go with Jai walking around the field.
“I can’t confirm any of them, but you will be very impressed by the ones that are there and they’re going to do Jai a great tribute.”
Earlier this week, V’landys said the pre-game show act will “be the most high-rated 11 minutes you’ll ever see” before kick-off between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters.
The change of heart from V’landys about entertainment comes just a week after it was revealed that talks had broken down with Tones and I who ultimately pulled out of the gig.
The Aussie singer clarified that “prior commitments” meant she could not agree to the league’s offer, after initial reports claimed the singer’s refusal to perform her biggest hit Dance Monkey led to the NRL scrapping her appearance.
Several huge Aussie names have been thrown around to replace her, including Shannon Noll – who personally put up his hand for the gig – and Newcastle legends Silverchair.
Jai Arrow will receive an emotional tribute in the 11-minute NRL Grand Final entertainment. Getty Images
The NRL grand final entertainment debacle kicked off after talks with Tones and I collapsed last week. Supplied
But in a devastating blow to Knights fans, don’t expect a reunion from Silverchair on Sunday night.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday the former band’s frontman Daniel Johns finally addressed the rumours and confirmed there’s no chance of a reunion.
“For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something: GO KNIGHTS!” Johns shared in a post on his Instagram Stories.
“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.”
Silverchair won’t be reuniting on the night. Redferns
Despite the enthusiasm, Johns firmly ruled out a performance even after Knights legend Andrew Johns pleaded with the group to reunite for the historic event.
“Thanks to everyone who’s asked if we’re playing before the game. We’re way too rusty, so sorry, no can do,” Johns’ post continued.
“We won’t be taking the stage, but we’ll be supporting as loudly as everyone else and there in spirit.”
Other names being thrown around include The Screaming Jets, Noah Kahn, who is currently on tour Down Under and in Sydney, and Olivia Dean, who is due to land in Australia in the coming days for her upcoming tour.
