Global rock star Jon Bon Jovi makes shock appearance at Australia’s captain’s run at Wembley Stadium
Even Kangaroos rock star Reece Walsh was upstaged at Wembley Stadium as Jon Bon Jovi made a shock appearance at Australia’s captain’s run, taking selfies with our ‘tough sons-of-bitches’.
Global rock star Jon Bon Jovi made a shock appearance at Australia’s captain’s run ahead of Saturday night’s Test at Wembley Stadium.
Bon Jovi was at Wembley completing promotional work ahead of a UK tour next August and September next year which includes concerts in London.
As Australian players were warming-up, Bon Jovi strode onto the hallowed pitch and had a selfie taken with the team.
When asked by this masthead whether he had watched rugby league, the rock star said: “I have watched it on television.
“These guys are tough sons-of-bitches. It’s football without helmets.”
Australian players cheered and roared after being introduced to Bon Jovi.
Tom Dearden even pinched a hug.
Wearing a brown jacket, white t-shirt and jeans, Bon Jovi gave a thumbs up for the group photo.
Bon Jovi’s song, This Is Our House, was the NRL’s official theme song between 2011 and 2013.
After posing with the team, Bon Jovi said: “It’s awesome. It’s a big day for them (Australia) so it’s exciting to be here. They have come a long way to play so they are looking for a big victory. This is my house but I’m sharing it. It’s good fun. It’s cool.”
Australian coach Kevin Walters described Bon Jovi as a “popular fella.”
“It was great to see him at training – we didn’t know that was happening,” Walters said.
“It was good to get him in and around the boys – he’s a pretty popular fella and it was a good boost for our guys to meet him.
“I know a few of his songs – Livin’ On A Prayer – but, no, I’m not going to sing it.”
Asked whether he had plans to perform in Australia, Bon Jovi said: “Looking forward to it. Let’s put it that way.
“One foot in the pool at a time and then I’ll be down in Australia.”
Forward Reuben Cotter added: “All the boys are fans.”
Bon Jovi’s concerts were promoted on the giant Wembley LED screens before Australian training.
With jet-lag conquered, bonding completed and preparations finished it’s time for Sunday morning’s (AEDT) first Test against England.
All players rolled through the brief training session without any injury issues. The Kangaroos training sessions since arriving in England 11 days ago have been fast and physical.
Players look united and focused and Wembley’s playing surface looks immaculate. The game day weather forecast is sunny but a top temperature of just 11 degrees.
The Kangaroos refuse to be lured into the pregame hype suggesting a lop-sided series.
The players have spoken all week about the ferocity England will play with at Wembley, a venue where Great Britain pinched the opening Tests during the 1990 and 1994 series.
Those in the England team with NRL experience include John Bateman, AJ Brimson, Herbie Farnworth, Kai Pearce-Paul, George Williams and Dom Young while Morgan Knowles will join the Dolphins next season.
Canberra forward Morgan Smithies and Gold Coast’s AJ Brimson were surprise omissions from England coach Shaun Wane’s final squad.
The Test match will be played at 2.30pm in London, 12.30am on Sunday (AEDT).
Originally published as Global rock star Jon Bon Jovi makes shock appearance at Australia’s captain’s run at Wembley Stadium
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