‘We’re Way Too Rusty’: Silverchair Won’t Be Playing The 2026 NRL Grand Final

The list of performers not participating in this weekend’s 2026 NRL Grand Final has reached two, with Silverchair announcing they won’t be taking the stage. Initially, Tones And I was the front-runner for the pre-game entertainment slot at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on October 4th. The “Dance Monkey” singer expressed that she had not signed any agreement for the performance, opting instead to honor her existing commitment with Macklemore in the United States.

Rugby league officials Peter V’landys acknowledged the financial implications of the empty headline spot and proposed reallocating the A$1 million allocated for entertainment into grassroots programs. This shift in focus comes after a significant moment for the Newcastle Knights, who advanced to the season’s final game for the first time in 25 years.

The Sydney Roosters are set to face them in the championship match. Silverchair, a band that once dominated the Australian music scene, has a deep connection to the Knights as its members are long-time fans from the "Steel City." In a rare post, the trio of Daniel Johns, Ben Gillies, and Chris Joannou expressed their enthusiasm for the Knights, stating, “We’re way too rusty, so sorry, no can do.”

Despite not performing, Silverchair promised to support the team wholeheartedly. The band’s members have remained in touch with the Knights, showing their continued connection to the football club.