Silverchair address NRL Grand Final gig rumours as footy chairman teases 'big surprise' after Tones and I quit: 'We're too rusty'

Iconic Australian rock band Silverchair have addressed rumours about whether they will be playing at the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

The Aussie rockers, who split in 2011 after almost two decades together and millions of albums sold, were the subject of a huge social media campaign calling for them to get back together to perform as the pre-show entertainment.

However, on Wednesday night the band - consisting of Daniel Johns, Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou - released a social media statement confirming they would not be performing.

'For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something. GO KNIGHTS,' the band began.

'It's all about the Knights this weekend. We love how footy brings this community together and it's pretty special watching the whole Steel City get behind the boys. 

'Thanks to everyone who's asked if we're playing before the game. We're too rusty, so sorry, no can do. 

'We won't be taking the stage, but we'll be supporting as loudly as everyone else and (we'll be) there in spirit.'

NRL legend Andrew Johns led the social media campaign to reunite the band, publicly begging frontman Daniel to reunite with his former bandmates.

'We need Silverchair! Boys, we need you to play to make it the greatest grand final and Sunday you've ever seen,' Andrew said on the Today show on Tuesday.

'Come on boys, come on Daniel!'

It comes after NRL chairman Peter V'landys said that footy fans can look forward to something special for the pre-game entertainment, after Tones and I withdrew from the performance, leaving the match without an act. 

'Watch 11 minutes before kick off and there's going to be a big surprise... and you'll be entertained,' he told Nine. 

'I've got to tell you, it'll be the highest-rating 11 minutes you will ever see because no one knows what it is, and we won't tell until the night.  

'And a lot of people will be surprised. There will be something, but I am not saying what it is. Stay tuned.'

It was revealed this week that the 2026 NRL Grand Final pre-game entertainment will feature an emotional lap of honour for retired South Sydney player Jai Arrow. 

However, it remains unclear if there will be a surprise musical act, after V'landys announced that he would be donating the $1 million set aside for the performance to grassroots charities for young players. 

Tones and I dropped out of the pre-game entertainment just days away from the match. 

At the time, reports were rife that she'd refused to perform her biggest hit, Dance Monkey, despite the NRL's insistence she do so. 

Tones, whose real name is Toni Watson, released a statement indicating that the cancellation was over a clash with a gig date in the USA with rapper Macklemore, rather than a dispute with the NRL over the setlist.