‘Is it 2008?’: Fans bash Temper Trap’s State of Origin Game 2 pre-game entertainment

In yet more proof that you can’t make everyone happy all the time, the pre-game entertainment for the State of Origin drew a mixed reaction.

You just can’t please some people.

Melbourne band The Temper Trap performed their hit song Sweet Disposition for the pre-game entertainment show at State of Origin Game 2 tonight.

The multiple ARIA award-winning band, which is comprised of Dougy Mandagi, Jonathon Aherne, Toby Dundas and Joseph Greer, rocked out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Singer Dougy Mandagi from The Temper Trap performs before Game Two of the men's State of Origin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Getty Images

However, the performance drew a mixed reaction, with some calling it the wrong choice for Origin.

“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.

“I like The Temper Trap, but once again not the song to fire up a crowd about to watch a game of footy. How do we keep getting this pre-match entertainment so wrong?,” wrote a grumpy fan.

Amy Stevenson wrote: “Major Australian sporting events either have The Temper Trap or Sheppard performing. That’s it. Those are the two choices and it will continue to rotate until we die.”

“Temper Trap? Is it 2008?” another viewer chimed in.

Journalist Cade Lucas quipped: “Do Temper Trap actually exist anymore other than to roll out lip synched versions of Sweet Disposition before sporting events.”

Indigenous dancers perform ahead of Game Two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Getty Images

The Temper Trap’s drew a mixed response. Picture: Getty Images

Despite the armchair sniping, the band’s appearance was also celebrated.

“The Temper Trap! Highlight of the Origin series,” a punter wrote.

“Temper trap slaps,” another wrote.

Aunty Joy Murphy delivered the Welcome to Country, noting the game took place on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people.

Melbourne local Sheridan Adams sang the national anthem, belting out the a traditional version of the tune.

Savannah Fynn during her Welcome to Country for Game 1.

It was a major change from State of Origin Game 1 where fans were greeted to an unusual interpretation of the Australian national anthem when 2024 Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright took to the stage.

Wearing a green suit and playing an acoustic guitar, Wright performed a country music-style version of the anthem, which drew a mixed response.

Savannah Fynn, who performed the Welcome to Country for Game 1, was widely praised.

However, shock jock Kyle Sandilands later fired up and said the Welcome to Country ceremony was losing its “power”, claiming it had become overused, resulting in its emotional and cultural impact being diluted.

He argued the widespread adoption by corporations and at football matches had led Australians to feel more irritated than spiritually connected to the ceremony.

“People get annoyed now rather than getting immersed into the culture and making them feel spiritually aware, people now don’t like having the smoke waved and everyone dancing,” he added.