Peter V'landys said the $1 million earmarked for an 11-minute Grand Final pre-game show will instead support grassroots and junior Rugby League.
The decision followed failed negotiations between the NRL and singer Tones and I.
Discussions began September 5, ahead of October 4's decider.
News Corp reported "artistic differences", claiming officials wanted her biggest hit, Dance Monkeys.
Tones and I attributed the absence to a scheduling clash with United States shows alongside Macklemore.
INXS lead singer Jon Stevens and other Australian artists offered to perform, donating fees to Head and Neck Cancer Australia on John Farnham's behalf.
Shannon Noll also volunteered through Instagram.
On the Nine Network's Today Show, V'landys said he had received many offers from young Australian performers.
"We have plenty of entertainment. the entertainment is the game. We have a festival of rugby league all day."