The NRL grand final will proceed on October 4 without a headline pre-game performer after negotiations failed to secure an entertainment act.
The development was reported on Tuesday, with the NRL unable to reach a late agreement with ARIA award-winning Australian artist Tones and I.
Her management said on Wednesday that the NRL had contacted her less than three weeks earlier, shortly before the finals series began.
"Tones was recently approached to perform the pre-show at the NRL grand final. An offer was presented to Tones via management on September 5th," her management said.
The singer declined because she already had commitments in the United States involving Macklemore.
Her representatives said she investigated every possible way to accept the invitation despite that obligation.
"Tones had a prior commitment with Macklemore in America and explored all avenues to make it work. Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing.