The NRL's Tones and I situation is pathetic

Once again, the AFL have out-done the NRL.

Don't say that too loud for NRL CEO Peter V'landys to hear, but they have dropped the ball on their own try line and allowed the AFL to kick a goal (the references don't cross over perfectly, but you know what I mean).

It was revealed yesterday that Australian pop singer Tones and I had pulled out of the NRL pre-game entertainment over a disagreement. It wasn't money or fees - it was because the NRL wanted her to perform her hit 'Dance Monkey', and she did not, which is her right as a performer.

In response, the NRL have said that they now won't have ANY pre-game entertainment, and will instead use the million or so dollars to invest back into the grassroots. A plan, apparently, they've been wanting to do for a number of years now.

However, the decision not to host any pre-game entertainment is a move Nine Network executives are apparently furious over, as they see it as a big draw for a casual TV audience.

My take? Give that slot to another Australian artist. There is no shortage of acts who would love to perform on that stage.

Look at January's Hottest 100 top ten, and work your way through the list to seek availability. Keli Holiday, Playlunch (will need to be heavily censored - but good fun!), Spacey Jane, Ball Park Music, etc.

It just feels like a missed opportunity to give another Aussie artist a crack, at a time when opportunities are getting slimmer and slimmer.