Pop singer Amy Shark will lead an all‑Australian supergroup that includes members of The Screaming Jets, electronic duo Peking Duk, rock band Grinspoon and indie outfit Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. The ensemble will perform on‑field before the match.

The performance is a tribute to Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease earlier this year. All appearance fees from the musicians are being donated to motor neurone disease charities.

NRL chair Peter V’landys said the roughly $1 million spent on pre‑match entertainment could be better used to support junior rugby league. He also announced a $100,000 donation to Arrow’s family.

The tribute follows the league’s failed talks with Tones And I for the pre‑match slot, highlighting a wider discussion about whether funds should prioritize high‑profile entertainment or grassroots development.