Tones missing NRL Grand Final pre-show for Macklemore
The grand finale of Australia’s National Rugby League was set to be a musical spectacle, but plans for a high-profile entertainment act ultimately fell through, leading to an unexpected shift in focus for the league.
The anticipation was high, as the singer and songwriter Tones And I was tipped to headline the NRL’s showpiece event, scheduled for Sunday, October 4th at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
The opportunity arose when Tones, whose real name is Toni Watson, was approached to perform the preshow for the massive event. An offer was presented to the artist via management on September 5th, but amidst the demands of a busy schedule, the deal could not be confirmed.
The reason for the change of plans came down to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments. While Tones explored possibilities, she had existing commitments, including a prior arrangement with Macklemore in America, and ultimately, nothing was formally signed or confirmed.
“Due to the last minute nature and prior commitments,” Tones’ team stated, “we were unable to accept the offer. We wish the NRL nothing but the very best for their event.”
With the musical side of the equation removed, the league made a profound decision. Instead of pursuing another artist to fill the entertainment void, the league opted to redirect the substantial budget towards meaningful community initiatives.
The estimated cost for the grand final entertainment was roughly A$1 million. Sports figure Peter V’landys, the Australian Rugby League Commission chair, weighed in on this redirection, suggesting a different kind of investment.
V’landys expressed a clear preference: “I’d prefer to see 20,000 underprivileged kids who can’t afford to play rugby league play rugby league, rather than spend a million dollars on 11 minutes of a musical performance.”
He emphasized that the game’s inherent appeal does not require high-profile singers to draw crowds. As he put it, “Our game sells itself. People come to watch rugby league. They don’t come to watch a pop concert.”
This decision signals a move away from using major musical acts to share the spotlight during such a massive crossover event—a moment where music and sport typically merge.
Ultimately, the focus shifted from entertainment spectacle to social impact, proving that the true value of the grand final lies not in a star performer, but in giving opportunity to the community.
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