Shannon Noll has offered to perform at the NRL grand final pre-game show after Tones and I was unable to take up the slot because of prior commitments.
The Australian singer made the offer during an appearance on the Today show while travelling to the airport for his Melbourne tour, saying he had posted online to make clear he was available.
“I didn’t expect it to blow up as quick as it did, but it was just sort of saying, you know, if you need someone, I’m free and would love to do it,” Noll said.
Despite his public pitch, the former Australian Idol runner-up said he had not been contacted by the NRL.
“No, no, I’m not holding my breath, mate,” he said. “I don’t think there’ll be too many phone calls.”
Shannon Noll suggests Angry Anderson tribute
Noll also suggested paying tribute to the late rocker Angry Anderson, who died on Wednesday and was described by the singer as a close friend.
He said he would be willing to perform Anderson’s We Can’t Be Beaten at the grand final, describing it as “an amazing pump-up rugby song”. Anderson famously performed Bound For Glory at the 1991 grand final.
Noll, who performed at the 2007 grand final, said a performance by a less expensive Australian act could leave more money for grassroots rugby league.
“I think one thing, there’ll be probably plenty of money left over for grassroots footy if they got me instead of Tones and I anyway,” he said.
His proposed set would include Lift, What About Me? and Fire It Up, a new track from his album due out on Friday.
“The songs like Lift would be great. You know, it’s a bit of an inspirational one. And of course, What About Me?” Noll said.
He added that his best-known song would definitely feature in the set.
“Oh mate, most definitely,” he said. “I think I’d get a gun if I didn’t play What About Me? at a setting like that.”
Tones and I’s management said the singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, had been offered the grand final performance on September 5 but could not commit because of existing commitments.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the money earmarked for the pre-game entertainment would instead be directed towards grassroots rugby league programmes, including support for underprivileged children.
Noll criticised the decision to scrap the show altogether, saying the grand final was a special occasion that warranted a spectacle.
“It’s very saddening that they’re not going to do anything at all,” he said. “For it to fall over this last minute and for there not to be a backup plan is sad for everybody.”
He said the event could have provided a major opportunity to showcase Australian talent, adding: “It just seems a bit of a shame that the opportunity’s been missed now by not showcasing somebody.”
