Australian musicians will perform "You'll Never Walk Alone" for 11 minutes from 7.05pm AEDT before the NRL grand final at Accor Stadium on Sunday.
Retired South Sydney player Jai Arrow will complete a lap of the field during the tribute.
Arrow, 31, was forced to retire in May after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The song, made famous by Gerry and the Pacemakers and adopted as Liverpool FC's official motto, has featured in tributes to Arrow.
NRL chief Peter V'landys confirmed the performance to AAP, a week after saying the grand final did not need a headline act following a dispute with artist Tones and I.
His decision to forgo musical entertainment drew public criticism, with Kylie Minogue's performance at the AFL grand final adding to the pressure.
V'landys had compared pre-match entertainment to a pickle in a burger and pledged $1 million for grassroots rugby league.
On Monday, he told reporters: "I've got to tell you it'll be the highest-rating 11 minutes you will ever see, because no one knows what it is and we won't tell until the night,"
He added: "And a lot of people will be surprised."
V'landys also said: "There will be something, but I am not saying what it is. Stay tuned."