Silverchair Deny NRL Grand Final Performance Rumors

Iconic Australian rock band Silverchair have addressed speculation about a potential performance at the NRL Grand Final, confirming they will not be playing at Accor Stadium in Sydney. The band, which officially disbanded in 2011, issued a statement on social media stating they are "too rusty" to perform.

"For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something. GO KNIGHTS," the band wrote, referencing the Newcastle Knights team. "It's all about the Knights this weekend. We love how footy brings this community together and it's pretty special watching the whole Steel City get behind the boys. Thanks to everyone who's asked if we're playing before the game. We're too rusty, so sorry, no can do. We won't be taking the stage, but we'll be supporting as loudly as everyone else and (we'll be) there in spirit."

There had been significant social media campaigning, led by NRL legend Andrew Johns, for Silverchair to reunite for the event's pre-game entertainment. Johns had publicly urged frontman Daniel Johns to reunite with his former bandmates for what he called a potential "greatest grand final."

Meanwhile, NRL chairman Peter V'landys teased a "big surprise" for the pre-game entertainment, following the withdrawal of artist Tones and I. V'landys told Nine that viewers should "watch 11 minutes before kick off and there's going to be a big surprise... and you'll be entertained." He added that the reveal would be kept secret until the night, promising it would be highly rated due to the mystery.

It was also announced that retired South Sydney player Jai Arrow will have an emotional lap of honour during the pre-game festivities. V'landys confirmed he would be donating the $1 million originally allocated for the musical performance to grassroots charities for young players, though it remains unclear if a musical act will be involved beyond any "big surprise."

Tones and I withdrew from the scheduled performance days before the event. Reports suggested this was due to a refusal to perform her hit song "Dance Monkey," though the artist stated it was due to a scheduling conflict with a gig in the USA with rapper Macklemore.