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NRL Head Peter V'landys Teases New Surprise Act For Grand Final

NRL executive chairman Peter V'landys has teased a new surprise act for this weekend's grand final after plans to have Tones And I perform fell through.

By Neil GriffithsPublished Sep 28, 2026
2 min read
Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims @ 2025 NRL grand finalImage: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

NRL executive chairman Peter V'landys has teased a new surprise act for this weekend's grand final after plans to have Tones And I perform fell through.

Last week, Tones And I's management issued a statement addressing reports that negotiations fell apart over the singer’s reluctance to perform her global hit “Dance Monkey," at the game, taking place at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 4th, saying that nothing had been signed between either party.

V’landys said the NRL would instead direct the $90,000 performance fee to junior rugby league.

However, per Nine, the executive chairman seemed to have a change of heart when interviewed at the grand final launch event on Monday.

“I’ve got to tell you, it’ll probably be the most high-rated 11 minutes you’ll ever see because no one knows what it is, and we won’t tell you until the night,” V’landys said.

“And a lot of people will be surprised. “There will be something, but I’m not saying what it is. So just stay tuned at 11 minutes to, and you’ll see.

“I don’t think you’ll be shocked, but you’ll be very, very well entertained, put it that way.”

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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. Local favourites like Shannon Noll and Jon Stevens have since put their hand up to perform, but it looks like we'll have to wait until Sunday to see what's in store.

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. The grand final between the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights kicks off at 7.30pm.

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