Gang of Youths headline NRL grand final entertainment

Aussie indie rock band Gang of Youths have been named the pre-entertainment headline act for the 2018 NRL grand final.

Hailing from Sydney, the five-man group formed in 2012 and had three songs make Triple J's Hottest 100 list on Australia Day.

The NRL have steered back toward a local act, with US artist Macklemore headlining last year's entertainment with a contentious performance promoting same-sex marriage.

"After the success of last year's entertainment, we wanted to go back a slightly different genre – just a great Aussie rock show from one of the best young bands in the business," NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo told NRL.com.

"Gang of Youths are relevant, they're home grown, they're contemporary, and they are renowned for producing one of the best live shows going around.

"This year's act will showcase the best in Australian music talent and youth culture, with one of a new breed of local artists making significant headway both here and overseas.

"The fact that they are rugby league fans is also a bonus."

Gang of Youths front man Dave Le'aupepe, a supporter of the Rabbitohs, was excited about the opportunity.

"I'm a Souths fan and Samoan. I can't guarantee that the Rabbitohs will be there, but this will be a very proud moment for me and my family," Le'aupepe said.