Shannon Noll ProfileAs the NRL are reportedly on the lookout for a new artist to headline their pre-match entertainment, they might have found a saviour by way of Shannon Noll.
This week brought with it an unexpected development for the October 4th event, with reports emerging that the NRL is currently without an entertainer for its Grand Final after talks with Tones And I allegedly fell apart.
In a statement provided to The Music, Tones' management confirmed an offer was made by the NRL on September 5th, but the musician's commitments to touring with Macklemore in the US left her unable to accept the offer.
"[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."
Sources had claimed that a large sticking point was centred around the NRL's insistence that Tones' prospective set included her 2019 chart-topping single Dance Monkey – a non-negotiable the singer reportedly baulked at.
Now, Shannon Noll has entered the ring, taking to social media to share an AI-generated poster in which he notes "Nollsie is available for the NRL GF pre-show". He further drove the point home by adding a caption which read "ready and willing".
The idea of Noll appearing as part of the pre-match entertainment is far from outside the realm of possibility, of course. Back in 2007, his single Loud was broadcast heavily during the finals series, and he ultimately performed at that year's Grand Final, sharing a bill with the Hoodoo Gurus.
In the wake of the news surrounding Tones And I's absence from the Grand Final entertainment schedule, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys has reportedly decided to commit $1 million to junior rugby league instead of paying for just "11 minutes of entertainment".
"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, though it remains to be seen whether Noll will be on deck for the event.
