The stage may not be empty for the NRL when it comes to their pre-game entertainment as it has looked.
NRL boss Peter V'landys has hinted that this year's Grand Final pre-game show could still spring a surprise, despite the headline act being pulled just days out from kick-off.
The saga began when Tones and I, the award-winning artist behind global hit "Dance Monkey", was scrapped as the marquee entertainment after reportedly refusing to include the song and due to a scheduling conflict, as they are set to perform in the United States with Macklemore.
Rather than be disappointed about the fallout, V'landys turned the setback into an opportunity, with the $1 million earmarked for her performance instead being spent on grassroots footy initiatives, a move that has since inspired a wave of local Australian artists to throw their hats in the ring for the vacant spot.
V'landys, who spoke with Code Sports, refused to rule out a late addition to the entertainment lineup.
“There could be a surprise,” V'landys said.
One name already making noise is Shannon Noll. The veteran singer appeared on the Today Show on Thursday morning, declaring himself ready to take the stage at Accor Stadium next Sunday night.
Noll revealed, with a heartfelt twist, that he wants to use the moment to honour Australian rock icon Angry Anderson, who passed away this week.
“I put a post up saying I was available just so we wouldn't have a nothing show there,” Noll said.
“I didn't expect it to blow up as quick as it did. It was just saying if you need someone, I am free and would love to do it.
“Given the tragic news of Angry Anderson, who was a great mate of mine… I thought what a great tribute it would be to him to sing You Can't Be Beaten on grand final day, which is an amazing pump-up rugby song.”
As it stands, Noll says the NRL hasn't been in touch, but he's made it perfectly clear that he won't chase a Tones-and-I-sized payday.
“I am not holding my breath. I think one thing is there would be plenty of money left over for grassroots footy,” he said.
“We are better off having someone there than no one, so I thought I'd put my hand up and say I am available.”
Whether it's Noll or another act entirely, one thing is clear.
V'landys has built a reputation as a man who thrives on turning chaos into spectacle, and grand final week is shaping up to be no exception.
