Australian sports fans should know that the NRL will continue to focus on its game rather than relying on celebrity entertainment to enhance events.
Peter V'Landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and interim NRL CEO, stated that the NRL has no need for international pop stars to make the grand final an exciting event.
While noting that the AFL has secured Kylie Minogue for their grand final, V'Landys emphasized that entertainment comes from the sport itself.
"We are the most watched sport in Australia, we don't need international pop stars to come in," he said during an interview on The Today Show.
He highlighted the NRL's appeal to younger audiences, referencing performances by The Kid Laroi in 2024 and Teddy Swims in 2025.
V'Landys reassured that the NRL's upcoming finals series is expected to break more viewing records, citing that the sport holds the top three most viewed programs in Australia, including State of Origin.
Currently, negotiations for the grand final entertainment are ongoing, with an announcement forthcoming.
Additionally, he confirmed the cancellation of Global Round, beginning in 2027, amid the lead-up to the NRL finals this weekend.