Fans hit out at NRL after Six60 deliver ‘disappointing’ pre-game performance

Fans far and wide have hit out at the NRL after the pre-game entertainment ahead of the third Origin game failed to deliver.

DAILY TELEGRAPH JULY 11, 2023. NZ band Six60 on the field at Accor Stadium ahead of performing at the State of Origin game 3. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Rugby league fans took aim at the NRL on Wednesday night with pre-game entertainment act Six60 also in the firing line.

The New Zealand band were savaged by those watching on after their performance failed to hit the right note.

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Despite being one of the biggest bands to come out of New Zealand, the band didn’t go down well with viewers.

Those far and wide hit out at the mellow tunes, calling on the NRL to put up a band that can pump a crowd up ... not serenade them with pre-bed songs.

Lead singer Matiu Walkters spoke about his excitement to play in front of NRL fans, but he might want to stay away from social media after leaving the stage.

Bring back Nollsy #Origin

— TAB (@tabcomau) July 12, 2023

What sort of pre-game pump up was that @NRL absolute buzzkill! #StateofOrigin

— Matt Underhill (@mattund89) July 12, 2023

Seriously how is this getting the crowd pumped?? The NRL haven't arranged good entertainment since the great Tina Turner! #Origin

— Mandy Mands (@Mandarine2010) July 12, 2023

This band isn’t exactly firing the crowd up are they ? And couldn’t the NRL have found an Aussie band for #Origin

— Brett Graham (@worldofBG) July 12, 2023

How disappointing the #NRL couldn’t book an Australian artist to open the third game. #origin#StateofOrigin#origin2023

— Sharlene Kuruppuarachchi (@SharleneMelb) July 12, 2023

The New Zealand band performed several of their big hits, closing out their act with their biggest song Don’t Forget Your Roots.

But it was their mellow tones, along with a haka taking place on the stage, that left fans up in arms and calling on the NRL to stick with local bands and those that can pump a crowd up.

ESPN’s Brittany Mitchell wrote: “What a flop of a pre-show entertainment rev-up.”

One fan wrote: “Great band but not suited to the occasion, how are nrl management so tone deaf on this topic every year! Quit the some stuff and stick with the game being the focus of the night.”

Another wrote: “Nothing says State of Origin like Māori’s doing the haka.”

A third added: “NZ band for a NSW v QLD game, with another country’s First Nation ppl performing the haka. WTF?”.

Far out, this sounds like music I’d hear at the local RSL. Where’s something to fire people up? #Origin#StateofOrigin

— Ryan O (@RRyandx77) July 12, 2023

Why are we getting chill music before a violent rivalry? This is dumb, NSW really don’t get origin #stateoforigin

— Space (@spacemonkeytits) July 12, 2023

This Lounge band is just what you need before a massive sleep #StateofOrigin

— Jeremy -jezza- (@jezza_nastyjvc) July 12, 2023

this band really gets me in the mood for state of origin game 3 😂😂#StateofOrigin#NRL#Origin

— Kanga/LGC Sedz (@ryansedz) July 12, 2023