Amy Shark’s return to the NRL Grand Final stage has sparked backlash from fans who have not forgotten her criticism of the competition last year. The Australian singer will lead members of the Screaming Jets, Grinspoon, Peking Duk and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers in a pre-match tribute to retired South Sydney Rabbitohs star Jai Arrow on Sunday.But her inclusion ahead of Newcastle’s showdown with the Sydney Roosters raised eyebrows after her criticism of the NRL in April 2025 resurfaced.During the AFL’s Gather Round dinner at Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide last year, the Queensland-born musician interrupted her set to criticise the rival football competition in front of more than 260 guests, including club bosses and government officials. ‘I’m from Queensland so unfortunately, I’ve had NRL pushed in front of me, which kind of sucks,’ she said at the time.’I’m not just saying that because I’m playing tonight… you guys [at the AFL], you know what’s up. We don’t need to totally drill the NRL into the ground but you guys know what’s up.’ Amy Shark’s NRL Grand Final return has divided fans after her criticism of the league last year Shark will lead members of the Screaming Jets, Grinspoon, Peking Duk and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers in a pre-match tribute to retired South Sydney Rabbitohs star Jai ArrowShark then doubled down after addressing the fact that an attendee might be recording her.’Actually you know what, screw them, honestly they just screw around artists, you guys actually understand artists, thank you for doing that,’ she said.The NRL declined to comment at the time, and the specific circumstances behind her criticism were not established.Some Australians took to social media to question why Shark would be performing after her criticism of the league. ‘There is still time for him to fix this,’ one fan wrote on social media.Another said: ‘How does Amy Shark get a start at any #NRL event again after she publicly s*** on the code at an AFL function?’A third added: ‘I still remember Amy Shark going ham about the NRL while playing at Gather Round lmao, how times and tunes change.’Shark’s extraordinary spray came during the AFL’s Gather Round dinner at Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide, in front of more than 260 guests including club bosses and government officials. Amy will be joined alongside band Grinspoon at the Grand Final on Sunday Shark accused the NRL of ‘screwing around artists’ during an AFL Gather Round dinner in April 2025 at Penfolds Magill Estate in AdelaideNews of the singer’s place among the performers follows a turbulent lead-up to the league’s biggest night. Talks with Tones and I collapsed less than two weeks before the decider, prompting Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys to scrap the entertainment before reversing that decision.He subsequently promised a ‘big surprise’ and ‘the highest-rating 11 minutes you will ever see’.The Australian reported that the assembled musicians will perform ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ while Arrow completes a lap of honour at 7.10pm, ahead of the 7.30pm kick-off.Arrow retired earlier this year after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.The performers will reportedly donate their appearance fees to MND causes, a detail that prompted some fans to defend Shark’s involvement.’Given the fiasco booking the entertainment for the grand final, I’d say what she said was pretty spot on,’ one wrote.Another questioned her decision to return but pointed to her charity work and reported fee donation, arguing the booking saga had vindicated her concerns about the treatment of artists. Each performer on Sunday is also donating their appearance fee to MND causes. Pictured: Dave Gleeson and Jimi Hocking of the Screaming Jets, who are also on the lineupShark has supported MND fundraising campaigns throughout the year. She took part in FightMND’s Big Freeze 12 at the MCG on June 8, dressing as Amy Winehouse in a red dress and signature beehive hairstyle before sliding into the icy pool.Sunday’s appearance will also mark a return to a stage Shark knows well, having performed at the 2020 NRL Grand Final.Her relationship with rugby league stretches back further still as, before her music career took off, Shark worked as a video producer for the Gold Coast Titans and performed at club events.’I played everywhere,’ she said in a 2020 interview.’I played at the corporate rooms, on the field. That club believed in me so much. I am so appreciative.’That’s why I can’t not follow them and why I will always owe them.’