Australian Musicians Reportedly Set to Honour Jai Arrow at NRL Grand Final

The secret plans for the NRL grand final pre-game entertainment have reportedly been revealed after talks with Tones And I fell through in recent weeks.

At the grand final launch on Monday, rugby league head Peter V’landys said that “it’ll probably be the most high-rated 11 minutes you’ll ever see.”

According to The Australian, those plans are to stage a tribute for South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow, who was forced to medically retire this year after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The masthead reports that Arrow will walk a lap of honour around Accor Stadium to the famous anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Some “eminent Australian musicians” will perform the song on the night, though it has not been revealed who those artists are.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Kate Ceberano, Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens and Jessica Mauboy have offered to perform together in place of Tones And I.

Tone Deaf has contacted the NRL for comment.

In August, the NRL approved an arrangement for Arrow to appear in lineups for two fixtures that would allow him to reach 100 games for South Sydney. At his last appearance, he was given a guard of honour by over 100 players from the club and he led the team out to “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

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It comes after V’landys said he had been “inundated” with offers from Australian performers, with an international star also expressing interest. It has also since been speculated that US star Benson Boone could perform, who is in the country this week promoting his November tour of Australia.

US star Teddy Swims performed at last year’s NRL final, which was widely praised. Meanwhile, last Saturday, at the AFL grand final, Australian icon Kylie Minogue put on a masterful display, which also featured the likes of Dom Dolla and G Flip.