NRL fans go wild for ‘diabolical’ move by the stadium after pre-game entertainment debacle
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Much of the talk leading into the NRL grand final surrounded the pre-game entertainment, culminating in an emotional and moving tribute to Jai Arrow.
But once the game kicked off between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters, a cheeky moment sent NRL fans into a frenzy online, with many calling it a “petty” swipe at Tones and I.
Tones and I was initially supposed to play at the 2026 NRL Grand Final and fans went wild for one ‘petty’ move on game day. Getty Images
The Aussie singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, pulled out as the headline act for the pre-match entertainment just days before the grand final.
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.
But it didn’t stop the song being played on the night, in a moment that fans have labelled a not-so-subtle dig.
After Francis Manuleleua scored the first try of the match for the Knights against the Roosters, Dance Monkey was blasted across the stadium over the speakers.
Rugby league fans couldn’t believe it and flooded X to weigh in on the song choice.
“Dance Monkey after the first try the level of pettiness is iconic, haha,” wrote one person on X.
Another NRL fan posted: “Stadium playing Dance Monkey after the first try over the speakers is diabolical.”
“Someone clearly trolling by playing Dance Monkey over the PA system,” another user posted.
“The stadium DJ dropping Dance Monkey in the #NRLGF didn’t go unnoticed,” added another.
One fan posted: “NRL playing Dance Monkey over the speakers after the Knights’ first try. Incredible.”
Others joked the order to play it must have come down from Peter V’landys himself.
Francis Manuleleua went over the line for the first try, which resulted in the hit Dance Monkey being played across the stadiums speakers. Nine
After talks between Tones and I and the NRL broke down, V’landys said the $1 million entertainment budget would instead go towards junior football programs.
V’landys clarified that the NRL would still make that contribution, but a smaller amount would go to the entertainment, which was finally confirmed at the 11th-hour.
The NRL grand final entertainment debacle kicked off after talks with Tones and I collapsed last week. Supplied
After it seemed like there was going to be nothing at all, the NRL pulled out a moving performance for Rabbitohs player Arrow, after his medical retirement due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis.
It kicked off with Australian singer Amy Shark, real name Amy Billings, belting out the opening lines of You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers a cappella.
As the victory lap continued, Billings joined Dave Gleeson, lead singer of legendary Newcastle rockers The Screaming Jets, for a stirring rendition of What’s Up by Four Non Blondes.
In the end it was an emotional tribute for Jai Arrow, with Amy Shark, Dave Gleeson and Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson all taking to the field. Getty Images
Members of Grinspoon and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers also performed, along with Reuben Styles from Peking Duk.
Aussie singer Phil Jamieson, from Grinspoon, then hit the field to kick off a cover of Simply The Best by Tina Turner, joining Billings and The Screaming Jets on the main stage.
