Australian electronic music duo Peking Duk have shut down rumours they will be part of the NRL’s pre-game entertainment ahead of the grand final.
The NRL’s plans were thrown into disarray when Aussie popstar Tones and I pulled out of negotiations for a headline show before Sunday’s grand final between Sydney and Newcastle.
NRL boss Peter V’Landys broke the news that talks between the two parties had soured before the singer’s management said they had only been approached on September 5 — less than a month out from the Sydney decider — and negotiations never went far.
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“Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing,” Tones and I’s management said after she cancelled.
There was also speculation that Tones and I’s reluctance to play her song Dance Monkey was behind the breakdown in relations.
V’landys quickly got on the front foot after letting Tones and I slip, declaring he would prefer to donate $1 million to junior rugby league programs than pay for “11 minutes of entertainment”.
Tones and I will not be performing before the NRL grand final. Credit: GettyAdam Hyde (left) and Reuben Styles of Peking Duk. Credit: Matt Jelonek/WireImage
Later, it was revealed Jai Arrow would complete a lap of honour to the tune of You’ll Never Walk Alone, which scored emotional scenes earlier this year when the inspiring MND sufferer suited up for two final South Sydney appearances.
Arrow will complete a lap of honour while a group of Aussie musicians will perform the iconic song.
But any suggestion that Peking Duk would join other rumoured artists Amy Shark, The Screaming Jets, Grinspoon, or Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers has been shut down.
“Despite the rumours, Peking Duk will not be performing at the NRL grand final tonight. We have a few theories on why,” the duo said.
They first made a joke about themselves, digging up some old criticism after their performance at State of Origin in 2018.
Next, they took a cheeky jab at the NRL over its fallout with Tones and I.
“Theory 2: We don’t play Dance Monkey in our sets,” they quipped, before adding the real reason they won’t be there.
“Theory 3: We never got the call-up. (Probably the main reason tbh).
“Theory 4: We’re busy playing in Cairns tonight!! UP THE KNIGHTS.”
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