NRL grand final 2026: Fans lose it after Tones and I hit Dance Monkey plays in the stadium after pre-game entertainment drama
During the 2026 NRL Grand Final, the stadium played Tones and I's hit song 'Dance Monkey' after a try was scored, following the singer's withdrawal from the pre-game show. Fans interpreted the song choice as a deliberate act of pettiness by the organizers.
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This highlights the intersection of sports entertainment, celebrity culture, and fan engagement in modern professional sports.
- 7.55pm . First published at 7.46pm
Share article Much of the talk leading into the NRL grand final surrounded the pre-game entertainment, culminating in an emotional and moving tribute to Jai Arrow .
But once the game kicked off between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters , a cheeky moment sent NRL fans into a frenzy online, with many calling it a “petty” swipe at Tones and I .
Tones and I was initially supposed to play at the 2026 NRL Grand Final and fans went wild for one ‘petty’ move on game day. Getty Images
The Aussie singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, pulled out as the headline act for the pre-match entertainment just days before the grand final.
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