Tones And I will not perform during the pre-show entertainment at the 2026 NRL Grand Final in Sydney after plans for the appearance failed to come together.
Her management said the Australian singer was approached about performing and received an offer on September 5. At the time, she already had a commitment in the United States connected to Macklemore. Her team said they explored whether both appearances could work, but no agreement with the NRL was signed or formally confirmed.
The league has since decided not to bring in another headline performer for the pre-game slot. Instead, money that would have been used for the entertainment will be directed toward programs helping children take part in grassroots rugby league.
Reports also suggested that discussions around whether Tones And I would perform her 2019 hit Dance Monkey may have been part of the negotiations. Her management, however, has pointed to scheduling and the existing U.S. commitment as the reason the performance did not move forward.