NRL

The NRL and Channel 9 has been mocked for its Grand Final pre-game entertainment fumble, as fans criticised the lead-up to the Roosters — Knights decider.

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Prior to the big day, NRL chairman Peter V’Landys revealed there wouldn’t be any headline performing artists before the game, with reports stating the ‘entertainment’ would be a tribute to Motor Neurone disease fighter Jai Arrow.

You can decide the suitability of a tribute as NRL Grand Final entertainment, with many criticising the decision.

But one thing that certainly has been criticised is the build-up to the game on Channel 9, who — to be fair — has been hamstrung by what the NRL governing body has provided on the day.

MORE: ‘It will defy logic’: Gould makes brutal NRL Grand Final prediction

When there is no pregame entertainment it is pretty obvious. What a shitshow of a GF day #sackpvl #NRLGF #NRL

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— James the 2nd (@JamesII4824) October 4, 2026

For your entertainment, an empty stage #nrlgf #pvlbaby https://t.co/jHerEApm7s

— mark (@voodoorock) October 4, 2026

Lots of dribble in this pre game entertainment #nrlgf

— user (@AustraliaSniper) October 4, 2026

Cross promoting the today show, NOW this is entertainment! #NRLGF #NRL

— John (@John_Michaels1) October 4, 2026

This is what you call filler entertainment #nrlgf

— 💖🦄Stacey🦄💖 (@TinkerTigerBell) October 4, 2026

Wow the #NRLGF entertainment is world class. Mullet cam . Whats next ? This is like a school sports carnival.

— Leonard R. Gregory (@TheRobinsfromOz) October 4, 2026

This has been an embarrassing GF day so far. I hope the main game isn’t like these first 2. We don’t even have entertainment to look forward to. #NRLGF #NRLWGF #NRL #NRLW #sackpvl

— James the 2nd (@JamesII4824) October 4, 2026

Quaint that you think the nrl would spring for ingoal paint and logos when they won’t even book entertainment. All PVL gives a shit about is the bottom line and not the user experience #nrlgf

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— mark (@voodoorock) October 4, 2026