Melbourne Storm Complains That Having The Veronicas Perform At GF Would Give Broncos Unfair Advantage

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

Five days out from the grand final, and the NRL is reportedly doing what they do best: using their imagination.

This panicked brainstorming session is reminiscent of the pandemic era Project Apollo, where the game’s bosses very nearly relocated every single player and club to Queensland’s Moreton Island for 6 months to play out the NRL season in quarantine.

‘NRL Island’ never came to fruition as the football code’s powerbrokers ended up just bullying Scott Morrison into letting them continue playing on the mainland, but it did show the lengths that Australia’s professional rugby league is willing to go to make sure that the show goes on.

And right now, it appears like things are once again a bit touch and go.

This comes as rumours swirl that the international musician booked for grand final pre-show entertainment, Teddy Swims, may be forced to pull out.

The Grammy Award-winning performer has been forced to cancel shows in Hawaii after walking off stage in the middle of a performance on Friday – later claiming that he has been forced to step away after doctors advised him not to continue singing to protect his vocal chords after a bout of illness.

The announcement leaves both the American vocalist and the NRL racing the clock to have him cleared to sing at Accor Stadium on Sunday before the explosive Broncos-Storm grand final.

Meanwhile, the window for the NRL to book an alternative pre-show performance is shrinking, with Australia’s iconic South Australian hip hop group the Hilltop Hoods on stand by.

Other artists that have been thrown around include Cold Chisel, The Hunters And Collectors, and of course The Veronicas.

Coming in at number 3 on Triple Js hottest 100 songs of all times, the Veronicas have played at both State of Origin and a grand final before – with the identical twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso performing at the 2005 Cowboys vs Tigers title match in the same year as their debut album.

However, the Melbourne Storm has staunchly opposed have the Veronicas perform – with coach Craig Bellamy claiming that filling a stadium with the dulcet tones of the Queensland pop duo would give an unfair advantage to the Brisbane Broncos.

“Mate. I understand the Queensland spirit better than any non-Queenslander” said Bellamy.

“My team is made up of Origin stars. But I know the Veronicas playing would turn the Broncos into world-beaters. It’s simply not fair”

“We need a neutral band, from South Australia or Perth. The Hilltops are perfectly fine. Maybe even Jebediah or Birds of Tokyo”

The Veronicas were approached for comment, with Lisa Origliasso choosing to not shy away from their staunch Brisbane bias.

“Up the fucken Broncs” she said.

“Get out there and kill em boys. You’re untouchable”