The NRL’s grand final pre-game will honor Jai Arrow, who retired due to motor neurone disease, with a field lap and a tribute planned during the pre-match entertainment.

Beginning with Arrow’s tribute, the plan evolved from earlier talks with Tones and I and other big-name acts, shifting toward a shorter, high-impact program to fund grassroots causes.

While there was no fixed lineup announced, discussions included Shannon Noll, The Screaming Jets, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, and other artists, with final performers remaining undisclosed.

The report on the event was prepared by Melissa Woods and Scott Bailey for AAP.

Reaction to the plan has been mixed, with critics voicing concerns about insensitivity or overemphasis on Arrow’s illness.

NRL aims to use the event to support community programs, reflecting ongoing negotiations and planning around the grand final entertainment.

Coverage and references come from The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, and The Australian’s reporting on grand final preparations.

Rumors of additional acts, including Jet, were denied, with Jet clarifying they were unavailable for the event.

Arrow’s appearance drew tens of thousands of fans who lit phones and formed arrow gestures in his honor.

The article traces the sequence from initial entertainment fallout to the final pre-match tribute and the responses from fans and artists.

V’landys described earlier negotiations as artistic differences with Tones and I, noting the shift to donate funds to grassroots underprivileged kids rather than a single large act.

Fans had mixed expectations, including support for a Silverchair reunion, which Daniel Johns declined, though the band expressed support for the Knights.