NRL 2022 grand final entertainment: Jimmy Barnes headlines two pre-game spectaculars

One of Australia’s most beloved rockstars headlines a star-studded all-Aussie music line-up as the NRL celebrates the grand final returning to Sydney. SEE THE FULL LINE-UP HERE

Jimmy Barnes will headline a star-studded all-Aussie music line-up as the NRL celebrates the grand final returning to Sydney.

The NRL has revealed its pre-game entertainment for next Sunday’s decider at Accor Stadium, following a one-year Covid-enforced relocation to Queensland.

In an unprecedented move, the NRL will deliver two pre-game spectaculars as it shows its support for the Australian Music industry and celebrates homegrown talent.

For the first time ever the NRLW grand final, to be played earlier in the day, will feature its own pre-game show featuring Mahalia Barnes, Western Sydney’s new queen of hip-hop & RnB, A.GIRL, and award-winning Indigenous singer-songwriter Emma Donovan.

The trio will team up to perform a re-imagining of iconic Aussie classic, “The Real Thing”.

Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel perform the pre-match entertainment at the 2015 NRL grand final. Picture: Brett Costello

“I’m really looking forward to singing with A.GIRL and Emma Donovan at the 2022 NRLW grand final’s first-ever pre-game show,” Mahalia Barnes said.

“It’s going to be a great afternoon filled with music and footy. Let’s hear it for the girls!”

The NRL decider will be headlined by rock legend, Barnes, with friends including Diesel, Josh Teskey, breakout Eurovision 2022 star Sheldon Riley and Australian hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso.

“Grand final day is a chance for us to all come together and celebrate with the best of the best,” said Barnes, who performed at the 1998 and 2015 rugby league grand finals.

A.GIRL will perform during halftime. Picture: Supplied

Hip hop group Bliss n Eso who will perform at the 2022 NRL grand final. Picture: Supplied

“I can’t wait to perform with an exciting all-Australian pre-game show line up in front of a full house again.”

Alinta Chidzey, star of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – The Broadway Spectacular, will perform the national anthem.

“What an honour it is to sing the national anthem before one of the most exciting games in

Australian sport, Chidzey said.

“Just before the grand final game kicks off is so electrifying as it’s when all the nerves and excitement are at a peak. The whole stadium comes together, united in anticipation, before it all begins.”