NRL’s mystery pre-game entertainment revealed as Jai Arrow tribute

The NRL will stage a stirring tribute to Jai Arrow during Sunday’s grand final in place of the customary pre-game entertainment.

Australian Rugby League Commission executive chairman Peter V’landys has teased a must-watch “surprise” in store ahead of kick-off between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium following the breakdown of talks with Australian artist Tones and I.

According to sources with knowledge of grand final plans, it will involve Arrow – who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease earlier this year – completing a lap of honour to the strains of the Gerry and the Pacemakers song You’ll Never Walk Alone, which will be performed by a collection of Australian artists.

As the 31-year-old circles the venue, the sold-out crowd of about 80,000 will be asked to celebrate him by gesturing as if they are firing an arrow.

Arrow’s lap of honour is scheduled to take place from 7.05pm, 25 minutes before kick-off, and is illustrative of an NRL intention to promote grand finals with “moments that matter”.

It has yet to be revealed which artists will be involved in the performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone, which is famously sung by supporters of English Premier League giants Liverpool FC at their home games.