Tones and I ProfileTones And I's management have outlined their side of the story following reports the NRL Grand Final could go ahead without pre-match entertainment after negotiations with the singer reportedly broke down.
It was reported yesterday (September 22nd) that Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys had decided to commit $1 million to junior rugby league instead of paying for just "11 minutes of entertainment".
There is no confirmation, however, that $1 million was offered to Tones for a potential performance.
According to reports, the sticking point centred around Tones' apparent refusal to perform her chart-topping 2019 single Dance Monkey – something which the NRL reportedly claimed was non-negotiable.
In a statement provided to The Music, Tones And I's management confirmed that the singer had been approached to perform at the NRL Grand Final on October 4th, with an offer presented on September 5th.
"Tones had a prior commitment with Macklemore in America and explored all avenues to make it work," they explained. "Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing.
"Due to the last minute nature and prior commitments by Tones, we were unable to accept the offer," they added. "We wish the NRL nothing but the very best for their event."
While the NRL's Grand Final entertainment is typically announced in early September, it's unclear whether the presentation of an offer one month prior to the event.
Earlier this year, V’Landys had floated the potential of having global superstar Olivia Dean play the event after drawing Teddy Swims for the 2025 event.
Meanwhile, the AFL Grand Final – held this Saturday, September 26th – will see Kylie Minogue in the pre-game entertainment slot.
Though there have been plenty of calls for Australian artists to appear in the high-profile slot (for the AFL, it's the first time a non-international has been booked since the COVID years, and the first time since 2024 for the NRL), V'landys appears to be trying to make peace with the inability to land Tones for the pre-match.
"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.
"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."
The 2026 NRL Grand Final will take place on October 4th – with or without a pre-match entertainer.
