NRL Grand Final Loses Headline Act Tones and I

The NRL grand final has lost its headline pre-match entertainment, with talks breaking down with Australian artist Tones And I. The league is now considering redirecting the funds set aside for the performance to grassroots rugby league competitions.

Funding to be redirected to grassroots competitions

Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'Landys said the league was prepared to forego pre-match entertainment and instead increase funding to underprivileged kids who can't afford to play rugby league. "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 said.

The move would be a significant break from tradition, as the grand final has regularly featured pre-match entertainment, including international pop-star Teddy Swims last year. Other acts to have taken the stage for the event include Billy Idol and Tina Turner.

No details on negotiations with Tones and I

V'Landys did not provide details on why negotiations with Tones and I broke down, but reportedly the issue centred on the NRL's insistence that Tones and I perform the song Dance Monkey, which she had refused to do. "You spend money to get outcomes and I think it's a better outcome to get kids that can't afford to play with their mates, gear etc, to play rugby league," V'Landys said.

"I'm a fan of Tones and I. She is a great performer, no doubt about that, and she's got some great songs, but as I said, we both decided to go to a different direction," he said. "We consider a lot of artists over a period of time, but as I said, I've been toying with this idea for a couple of years now, about giving the money to kids to play rugby league rather than a musical act."

NSWRL chief executive supports decision

NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said he had "a short conversation" with V'Landys about the prospect of funds being directed towards grassroots footy. "I applaud his decision to use the funds to support grassroots rugby league, and particularly those children who may have financial constraints on their ability to participate in such a wonderful community sport," Trodden said. "Rugby league has a unique ability to provide community support to those who need it the most."