Mahalia Barnes steals the show at the NRLW Grand Final

Mahalia Barnes stormed onto the stage during pre-match entertainment for Sunday’s NRLW Grand Final game.

The 40-year-old rocked the stage with a rendition of the Russell Morris classic The Real Thing before the match between the Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium.

Accompanied by musicians A.Girl and Emma Donovan, Mahalia, the daughter of rocker Jimmy Barnes, showcased her powerful vocals.

Viewers at home were impressed and many posted their thoughts on social media.

‘Mahalia Barnes, what a voice! I’m really hoping for a Barnsey and Barnsey cover of Simply the Best now,” one wrote.

“Her voice may have something to do with it. She is amazing. A piece of the old man’s block,’ said another.

“Wooooooo @MahaliaBarnes is killing it on #NRLGF Day!” another person watching agreed.

Wow @MahaliaBarnes and Emma Donovan and band, what a great song! Mow ma mow mow ma ma mow mow!’ said someone else.

However, not everyone enjoyed the show as others expressed their dismay on social media.

“No disrespect, but @NRL needs to put some serious money into getting a huge artist for the #NRLGF. Most years the AFL leaves them for dead every time,” one person tweeted.

Another person joked that they had their ears blocked while listening to the “pre-game entertainment for the #NRLGF.”

‘Can someone take the parachute pants off the stage please!!!’ another complained, while another said, ‘Let’s butcher a classic’.