State of Origin viewers were left perplexed on Wednesday night as Channel Nine opted not to broadcast the eagerly anticipated pre-game entertainment. While Australian country singer Brad Cox performed live for over 80,000 National Rugby League (NRL) fans at Accor Stadium, those watching from home were instead met with a series of advertisements.
The decision not to air the performance sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. One user on X commented,
“How bizarre the pre-game entertainment wasn’t televised… that’s a shame. Brad Cox is a legend.”
Another viewer speculated,
“There is a reason Channel 9 are not showing the pre-game ‘entertainment.'”
Meanwhile, a third chimed in with a touch of sarcasm,
“Can’t wait to hear Brad Cox perform – said no NRL fan ever.”
The Controversy Surrounding Brad Cox’s Performance
Cox, confirmed by the NRL as the pre-game entertainment just a day prior, faced mixed reactions from fans. Known for his hit song “Give Me Tonight,” which has been streamed over 12 million times on Spotify, Cox’s performance was intended as a highlight for the series decider in Sydney. However, some fans felt the choice missed the mark.
One bluntly remarked,
“Is this random the best the NRL can do? He doesn’t even have a picture on his Wikipedia page.”
Another questioned,
“Surely you could’ve done better?”
Despite the criticism, Cox’s appearance at such a major event marks a significant milestone in his career, which began with his self-titled debut album in 2018, earning him two Golden Guitar nominations.
Channel Nine’s Decision and Fan Reactions
The absence of Cox’s performance from the broadcast has raised questions about Channel Nine’s programming choices. The network’s decision left many fans disappointed, as expressed by one viewer who posted,
“The #origin pre-game horse s**t is as cringe as ever.”
Another simply queried,
“Who?”
when informed of Cox’s scheduled performance.
Despite the mixed reception, Cox remained optimistic about his role in the event. In a statement to News Corp, he promised a “high-energy” performance, adding,
“We are there to get fans fired up for a big game of footy, so we’ll be playing accordingly. I reckon we are going to start a trend. NRL and country music go hand-in-hand, I think we’ll be the first of many.”
Implications for Future NRL Events
This incident highlights the ongoing debate about the role of entertainment in sports events, particularly in a country where rugby holds a significant cultural place. The NRL’s choice of entertainment acts, and how they are presented to the audience, could influence future decisions and fan engagement strategies.
As the dust settles on this year’s State of Origin, the NRL and broadcasters like Channel Nine may need to reassess their approach to pre-game entertainment. The goal will be to balance the expectations of live attendees with those of the television audience, ensuring that all fans feel included in the spectacle.
For Brad Cox, despite the mixed reviews, performing at such a high-profile event could open doors to further opportunities. As he continues to carve out his niche in the Australian music scene, his collaboration with the NRL might indeed pave the way for more country music acts to grace the rugby stage.
As fans and critics alike await the next State of Origin series, the lessons from this year’s event will undoubtedly shape the future of sports entertainment in Australia.
