Reunited Powderfinger Volunteer Their Services For 2027 NRL Grand Final

As Powderfinger's reunion tour aligns with the NRL Grand Final, the group have urged NRL boss Peter V’landys to "give us a call".

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They’ve only just announced their reunion, but already beloved Brisbane rockers Powderfinger may be setting their sights on some of the big-name events.

Speaking to Triple M Breakfast this morning (Monday, October 19th), Powderfinger told hosts Beau Ryan, Aaron ‘Woodsy’ Woods, and Cat Lynch that they’re eager to add a special headlining performance at the 2027 NRL Grand Final to their ever-growing schedule.

“Can we get an opportunity to get Powderfinger to play live at the NRL Grand Final next year?” Woodsy asked, pointing to the Grand Final’s date of October 3rd coinciding with their run of Sydney dates.

“Sure, give us a call, V’landys,” joked singer Bernard Fanning in reference to NRL boss Peter V’landys, prompting Ryan to note he was serious in his questioning.

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“We can make that happen,” he added. “I feel like you’ve left [that date] open for two reasons. First reason, to perform, and the second reason, what, do you think the [Brisbane] Broncos are going to be in it?”

“It’s because we want to watch it,” quipped Fanning in response.

This year was a somewhat controversial Grand Final for the NRL, with reports emerging prior to its October 4th kick-off that negotiations with Tones And I had apparently fallen through, leaving the event without a pre-match entertainment headliner.

Sources claimed that the reason for the negotiations breaking down was due to the NRL's insistence that Tones play her 2019 chart-topper Dance Monkey, though her team confirmed that prior commitments to touring with Macklemore in the US left her unable to accept the offer when it was put to her on September 5th.

"[Tones] explored all avenues to make it work," a statement from her management read. "Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing."

"We wish the NRL nothing but the very best for their event."

A number of artists have threw their hands up to perform, including Shannon Noll, who said he was "ready and willing" to perform – having previously done so back in 2007.

Ultimately, a tribute to rugby stars Jai Arrow and Nathan Charles – both of whom were diagnosed with motor neurone disease this year – was staged in lieu of traditional entertainment, with the likes of Amy Shark, The Screaming Jets’ Dave Gleeson, and Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson on deck to perform.

Notably, Powderfinger have not previously performed at the NRL Grand Final, though they did appear at the 2008 AFL Grand Final.

However, the 2027 NRL event is far more likely to feature the reformed rockers than its rival code, especially given that the AFL’s annual Melbourne event is scheduled to clash with the band’s second Sydney date.

Elsewhere in their chat, the group expanded on why it is that they’ve taken so long to announce a reunion.

“There's been so many times over the years that people have made offers and whatnot to come back together, and for the first probably ten years, we didn't even really talk about it or consider it,” Fanning explained.

“After we did the One Night Lonely thing during COVID, everyone was like, ‘This was cool.’ And also because we haven't seen each other for 16 years, we're getting on so well [laughs].

“It just kind of lined up for everyone; everyone was available,” he added. “Haugy [guitarist Ian Haug] plays in The Church, I'm doing my own gigs, Darren [Middleton, guitarist] does his own gigs, and Cogs [drummer Jon Coghill] has three small children and is doing all heaps of film stuff.”

Tickets to Powderfinger’s 2027 reunion tour are on sale now.