Amy Shark Replaces Tones and I at NRL Grand Final, Delights Viewers with Jai Arrow Tribute

Amy Shark stepped in at the last minute to perform at the NRL Grand Final pre-game entertainment, filling the slot vacated by pop star Tones and I. Shark was joined on stage by Dave Gleeson of The Screaming Jets and Phil Jamieson of Grinspoon for a performance that included a tribute to former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow, who is currently undergoing treatment for motor neurone disease.

As Arrow was driven around the field on a golf cart, Shark led the musical tribute with a rendition of Gerry and the Pacemakers' anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone." The performance also featured a cover of 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up?," augmented by Gleeson's rock vocals, and concluded with Tina Turner's "The Best," a song long associated with the NRL.

The last-minute change in the lineup was met with positive reactions from viewers. Social media commentary largely favored Shark's performance, with some viewers expressing relief that it was not Tones and I, with one user on X joking, "Rather this than Tones and I to be honest. At least my ears aren't bleeding." Others described the performance as "very moving" and "epic."

Shark and her fellow performers have committed to donating their appearance fees to Motor Neurone Disease research and related causes in honor of Jai Arrow. The $1 million initially allocated for Tones and I's performance is reportedly being redirected to fund grassroots children's football charities.

Tones and I, whose real name is Toni Watson, withdrew from the event just days before the match. Reports at the time suggested the cancellation was due to a disagreement over her setlist, specifically her refusal to perform her hit song "Dance Monkey." However, Tones and I later issued a statement indicating the cancellation was due to a scheduling conflict with a performance in the USA alongside rapper Macklemore.