NRL plays it safe with Origin Game 3 national anthem, Welcome to Country

The NRL has played it safe during the State of Origin Game 3 — avoiding some of the pitfalls that have made headlines overseas.

Given the huge audience of State of Origin matches, there are a lot of eyeballs on the national anthem performance and Welcome to Country.

That’s the case this evening with Qld taking on NSW in Qld at Suncorp Stadium for the deciding Origin Game 3, with kick-off at 8.05pm AEST.

You can follow our live coverage here.

When it comes to national anthems, a performance by country singer Ingrid Andress yesterday showed everyone how it can all go terribly wrong.

Ingrid Andress delivered a national anthem to forget.

She performed The Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby on Tuesday and it was quickly dubbed one of the worst national anthem renditions of all time.

As you can see (video below) it was an absolute trainwreck.

She later admitted she was drunk, apologised, and revealed she was checking into a rehabilitation centre.

The NRL decided to sidestep any drama for Game 3 and did not televise any pre-game entertainment. It also stuck to safe choices for the national anthem and Welcome to Country.

However, the pre-game show for this year’s Origin series has not been without controversy.

Before Origin Game 1, Dylan Wright performedAdvance Australia Fair, putting a distinctly country music-spin on the anthem.

Dylan Wright put a country spin on the national anthem before State of Origin Game 1. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Singer Dougy Mandagi from The Temper Trap performs Origin Game 2. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Fans were divided, with one saying they “loved it” and another dubbing it “terrible”.

For Origin Game 2, Melbourne band The Temper Trap performed their hit song Sweet Disposition, which also sparked controversy as some called it the “wrong choice”.

“Dear NRL. I once again implore you to get a proper rock band for Origin and the Grand Final. Temper Trap are great, provided you are headed to bed, not about to watch the pinnacle of our sport,” one cranky fan posted.

“Sorry but I don’t rate Temper Trap as a stadium act. For me it always leaves me flat when I see them on the pre-match entertainment,” another added.

BQueensland fans at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

There are plenty of Blues in Brissie tonight. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Tonight, Ashley Ruska performed the Welcome to Country on behalf of the Jagera people and received a loud applause.

Meanwhile, Ruva Ngwenya — who has played a lead role in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical — sang the national anthem, belting out a traditional version of Advance Australia Fair.

The stadium stayed silent in memory of David Morrow.

The legendary radio and television commentator for the ABC and 2GB died aged 71 after a battle with brain cancer, the NRL confirmed just hours before Origin 3.

However, in a shameful moment, one loud fan was heard yelling out.