Amy Shark to headline Australian music group at NRL grand final

Amy Shark will lead an ensemble of Australian musicians during the NRL grand final’s pre-match entertainment this weekend. The performance will include members of The Screaming Jets, Peking Duk, Grinspoon and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. The group will provide music for an on-ground tribute to South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow.

The ABC reported that the musicians are expected to perform cover songs, including Gerry and the Pacemakers’ “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, which is also associated with Liverpool Football Club. Each performer’s appearance fee is reportedly being donated to motor neurone disease causes. The tribute follows Arrow’s departure from the NRL earlier in the year after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The player has said he knew nothing about plans for him to take a lap of honour around Stadium Australia on Sunday. The arrangement was announced after negotiations with Tones And I to perform at the grand final did not result in an agreement. Her management said she could not accept the offer because of prior touring commitments in the United States and that nothing had been signed or confirmed in writing.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the league’s spending on pre-match entertainment, reported to be close to $1m, could instead support junior rugby league. He also said the league would donate $100,000 to Arrow’s family. V’landys argued that spectators attend for rugby league rather than a concert and said the money could help children who cannot afford to participate.

The grand final will be played between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights.