Teddy Swims will headline this year’s NRL Grand Final entertainment.
The US singer and the league confirmed the appearance via social media today.
“AUSTRALIA !! I’m performing live at this year’s NRL Grand Final on October 5th !! What an honor !! Can’t wait to see you all there soon !!” Swims wrote, sharing a video of himself holding a football.
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“Teddy Swims is one of the most exciting music talents in the world, making him the perfect performer for the NRL Grand Final day,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“Teddy’s global appeal and connection with young audiences in Australia, the US and around the world, matches our vision to grow Rugby League globally,” Mr Abdo said.
“Grand Final day is a special event on the sporting calendar, capturing moments that last forever. Including a fresh superstar like Teddy Swims alongside some of the best male and female athletes in the world will take the entertainment experience for sports fans to a whole new level.”
Swims’ NRL Grand Final slot coincides with his forthcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand, which will see him deliver 12 arena dates across both countries next month. Matt Corby will join as special guest for all shows.
Corby described his excitement at joining the tour and praised Swims’ style and vocals. The pair first met when Swims played Sydney in 2023.
“I’m such a fan of Teddy. I first heard ‘Lose Control’ on the radio while driving from the airport to a show, was completely floored by his vocal chops and the soul in his sound. I’ve been hooked ever since,” he said.
“We first met at his Sydney show last year: Teddy came up, gave me a big hug, and told me he’d been listening to my music since high school, which just blew my mind. After his set, we hung out, talked music, and joked about starting a boy band one day. Being invited to join him on this run of shows is a real honour. I can’t wait!”
Swims, whose breakout single “Lose Control” has set a Billboard Hot 100 record, has been touring the US ahead of his trip Down Under, playing multiple sold-out shows. The run concludes in Honolulu before the Australasian dates.
This booking means fans likely won’t see Jimmy Barnes at this year’s Grand Final. The Cold Chisel frontman had flagged his interest in performing to mark the 40th anniversary of “Working Class Man,” telling Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Cat & Woodsy he’d “keep the date free” in case of an invite to Accor Stadium on October 5.
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