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The NRL's grand final pre-game entertainment starring Cold Chisel and Jessica Mauboy trumped the efforts by the AFL on Saturday.
In 32 degree heat Jimmy Barnes and his band put on a blistering performance of three classics with the 80,000 strong crowd (and social media) singing their praises.
Unlike the AFL's gaffe prone pre-match performances in Melbourne on Saturday, which saw British pop star Ellie Goulding having to defend claims she lip-synced her lacklustre set, Barnes, Ian Moss and co, complete with their own mosh pit, exceeded expectations.
Sorry @AFL, the #NRLGF wins the entertainment stakes. @coldchisel— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68)
October 4, 2015
Only way the @AFL can improve the pre show entertainment is by getting Chisel, AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Split Enz, Grinspoon, or The Living End— Higgo (@Higgo74)
October 4, 2015
The 59-year-old rocker belted out Khe Sanh and Flame Trees with more gusto than Pavarotti. Ian Moss and his axe then closed the performance with a riff heavy version of Bow River.
Bloody hell the match better be good after that. Proud of the boys and old man. @coldchisel #NRLGF— David Campbell (@DavidCampbell73)
October 4, 2015
@DavidCampbell73 Chisels were fantastic I'm an AFL tragic but NRL just kicked our butts on the entertainment— Linda Hutchins (@LindaLindarae)
October 4, 2015
While the pub anthem tunes were a welcome reprieve from the AFL's choice of international pop stars, Barnes' outfit choice had many puzzled.
His leather ensemble with more zips than Kevin Rudd ever mentioned, appeared to be a gothic inspired Freddie Mercury jumpsuit. One couldn't tell where the pants ended and his heavy biker boots started.
.@JimmyBarnes giving it his all! #NRLGF #WWOS pic.twitter.com/9kbWcPpWrJ— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9)
October 4, 2015
Jimmy Barnes looks like he'll be roller blading after this gig, judging by the knee protection he's wearing. #mrplotto #nrlgf— Match Review Panel (@MRPLotto)
October 4, 2015
The darling of the NRL (and diehard Cowboys fan) Jessica Mauboy, dressed in a tangerine power suit, put on a stirring performance of the national anthem with the entire stadium and players singing along. Unlike Kate Ceberano at the AFL grand final she knew the words.
On point @jessicamauboy— Phil Jamieson (@philjamieson)
October 4, 2015