Verdict in for NRL grand final entertainment as Jai Arrow and Nathan Charles honoured

The NRL grand final entertainment has received mixed reviews despite fans at Accor Stadium rising as one to pay tribute to Jai Arrow in emotional scenes.

The pre-match show became a huge talking point due to the fallout with Tones and I, but Amy Shark stepped up to fill the void along with a host of Aussie artists.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Simply the Best caps off NRL’s MND tribute at grand final

Shark was supported by members of Grinspoon, The Screaming Jets, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, as well as one half of electronic duo Peking Duk.

Peking Duk, which consists of Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, shut down talk they were performing on Sunday morning before Styles later revealed he was performing solo.

Shark performed a stirring rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone to honour Arrow and former Wallaby Nathan Charles, who has just been diagnosed with MND.

The song made famous by Gerry and the Pacemakers with a cover in the 1960s, and adopted by Liverpool FC as its official motto, has featured heavily across the tributes to Arrow.

Before the performance began, a recorded message from legendary Aussie broadcaster Ray Warren encouraged fans to stand and make an Arrow in support of the NRL great.

“No matter who you are or where you’re from, rugby league unites us all. Heroes inspire dreams and prove that with heart and courage anything is possible,” he said.

“Tonight, $1 million will go to underprivileged children who can’t afford to play our great game so that every kid with a dream gets to chase it.

“And every kid with a hero has the chance to follow in their footsteps. A hero like Jai Arrow. Jai’s fight against MMD has reached far beyond the football field.

“It’s touched the hearts of millions around the world. He has and continues to inspire others facing difficult times. The way Jai has faced this challenge with his head held high, is showing us what true bravery really looks like. This is what our game is about.

“Strength, courage, community and making sure when life gets tough, someone is there beside you.

“Jai, tonight we stand with you and the many people you’ve inspired who are facing similar challenges.”

The crowd rose as Arrow and Charles went around on the back of a vehicle that looked like a combination of a motorbike and car as Shark sung the iconic song.

Dave Gleeson, lead singer of The Screaming Jets, then came out to sing What Up before Grinspoon front man Phil Jamieson joined Shark and Gleeson on stage to sing Tina Turner’s iconic song The Best.

The trio finished the performance alongside Arrow and Charles around the vehicle.

While fans in the stadium appeared to enjoy the show, it drew a mixed reception on social media.

“This is hard to watch. Cringe at best,” one fan said.

“This is literally the worst pre-game show I’ve ever watched,” another said.

“What could have been a really nice moment has come across as exactly what it is, a half measure after thought trying to save face,” another said.

“As a nice gesture - the pre-game entertainment hit the right notes as far as a tribute for Jai Arrow and the fight against MND. As far as an entertainment spectacle, it failed to hit the mark. Can tell it was a last minute entertainment act,” another said.

“Another year that the AFL smashed the NRL pregame entertainment. That was bad,” another said.

“The motorbike is probably the best bit of the pre game entertainment,” another added.

Among the mostly negative comments, there were some who enjoyed it.

“Anyone who criticises that tribute to Jai Arrow and Nathan Charles is a bum! Amy Shark, Dave Gleeson and Phil Jamieson were fantastic,” one fan said.

“It worked.. The pre-match GF entertainment worked,” another said.

“Hate PVL if you want, but I’m into this,” one fan said.

“It was fine. Who cares. It’s about the game and I’m pumped for it,” another said.