NRL Book Immortal Technique For Grand Final Act

IMRAN GASHKORI | Sport | Contact

The NRL has confirmed that New York rapper Immortal Technique will perform at this year’s Grand Final, following news that the AFL may be forced to cancel Snoop Dogg’s appearance due to concerns about his visa and the lyrical content of his back catalogue.

While AFL organisers are reportedly scrambling to find a replacement act that will not raise eyebrows at the Department of Home Affairs and or upset the totebag enthusiasts of Northcote, the NRL has opted for what it describes as a “bold and uncompromising” choice. League bosses say Immortal Technique will take the stage at Accor Stadium to perform his popular track Dance With The Devil twice in succession as the official entertainment.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys told reporters the decision was about “getting ahead of the AFL and showing fans that rugby league is not afraid of difficult subject matter.”

“Rugby league has never shied away from controversy,” V’landys said.

“If they are going to go soft, we will go hard. We will be diamonds. This is a serious artist with a serious message.”

The nine-minute cautionary tale about crime and desperation is widely regarded as one of the darkest rap songs ever written. When asked whether it was suitable for a family audience, league officials said the broadcast would be obviously censored for television but uncensored in the stadium.

Reaction among rugby league supporters has been mixed.

Some say the move shows the NRL is willing to push boundaries and not rely on the same tired pub rock acts. Others have questioned whether it is appropriate to play a song about violent crime to a stadium full of young families and elderly Catholics from regional Australia.

The AFL has declined to comment on whether Snoop Dogg’s performance is still going ahead. Sources in Malbhen say a number of alternative acts are being considered including Jet and a Fatman Scoop hologram.

The NRL says if Immortal Technique withdraws, they will buy 20,000 roosters have have a live-betting cockfight royale in partnership with Neds.

More to come.