- The Kid LAROI will perform at the NRL final
- Souths Tragical has received the big call
- Football fans are divided over his appointment
The NRL has announced the headline act for this year’s Grand Final, with football governing bodies opting for an Australian flavour for the top event.
Australian artist and South Sydney Rabbitohs tragic The Kid LAROI will perform at Accor Stadium prior to kick-off on October 6.
The Grammy-nominated star hung out with Souths players in Las Vegas earlier this year ahead of the season opener and spoke of his delight at being called up for the big game.
“As a young boy growing up in Sydney, I would drive past the Rabbitohs training ground at Redfern Oval and dream of playing rugby and making music. Now I’m going to pinch myself when I play my music to a roaring crowd of rugby fans on Grand Final day,” he said.
‘It doesn’t get any better than this.’
The 21-year-old has produced hits such as ‘Stay’ and ‘Without You’, which reached number one positions worldwide.
“The Kid LAROI embodies the energy, excitement and ambition of rugby league. We are celebrating the end of another record-breaking season and are looking to take rugby league to new heights in the future,” said NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
‘He is one of the biggest music stars in the world and rugby is also in his DNA. He grew up in South Sydney and was a fan of his beloved Rabbitohs from a young age.
The Kid LAROI will perform at this year’s NRL final in Sydney
The South Sydney Rabbitohs tragically met the players earlier this year in Las Vegas
“He’s going to complete an incredible day of finals football.”
However, football fans were far from convinced by the appointment of The Kid LAROI and voiced their opinions to X.
‘FFS,’ posted one fan. Another said: ‘The NRL. Amateur hour once again…’
“Who?” asked a third fan. “The AFL is constantly crushing the NRL on this.”
The AFL, on the other hand, has selected Katy Perry to perform at their grand final later this month.
“Fuck me. Can we just do this right,” said a fourth disgruntled fan. “Last year the fake [Tina] Turner trash and now a kid most NRL fans have no interest in. AFL gets it, what’s wrong with NRL???
He will perform before the biggest match of the season on October 6
However, other fans responded strongly to the critics, claiming that The Kid LAROI is a true global superstar.
“Great job NRL,” said one fan. “This man is a passionate NRL fan and megastar.”
Another said: ‘He’s one of the biggest acts to come out of Australia in years. Not a bad choice.’
“Finally a real star,” said a third fan. “I’m surprised he agreed.”