State of Origin 2024: NRL calls on national anthem singer after Game 1 debacle

The NRL takes no risks with the national anthem before Wednesday evening Country of origin 2 following the heated reaction to the controversial performance before Game 1. Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright polarised fans with a slow, acoustic version of Advance Australia Fair ahead of Origin 1 in Sydney earlier this month.

Some called Wright’s rendition of the anthem “devilish” and “hipster” and one of the worst renditions ever heard at a major Australian sporting event. Daily Telegraph League reporter Dean “Bulldog” Ritchie compared the performance to that of a street musician.

Queensland and NSW players attempting to sing the national anthem seemed lost as the words were delivered at a slower pace than they expected, with many wearing half-amused faces as they tried to keep up with Wright’s version.

NSW captain Jake Trbojevic’s confused reaction became a meme as fans took to social media to vent their anger. “I’m not a fan of artists putting their own stamp on the national anthem. Either sing it properly or just play the Julie Anthony recording,” wrote one unimpressed supporter, echoing the sentiments of thousands.

However, Wright, a huge Sharks fan, received support from those who were happy to see a different interpretation of the anthem, with many applauding the singer for his courage to change things up.

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Sheridan Adams stays true to tradition with anthem for Origin 2

However, it is safe to say that the NRL will not take such a risk again. For Game 2, the governing body opted for a more conservative approach: singer and actress Sheridan Adams was given the honour of belting out the national anthem in front of 90,000 fans at the MCG.

Adams, who is appearing in the musical Wicked at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, sang the anthem before this year’s Australian Open women’s tennis final at Melbourne Park. She was enthusiastically received by a packed crowd and moved viewers to tears.

“I grew up watching the Australian Open every summer. It reminds me of home and my family – and I’m so excited to sing the anthem tonight before the women’s final,” Adams said before the anthem. “To be even a small part of it is such a gift.”

It’s clear that Adams has no plans to deviate from the traditional performance of the anthem before Origin II. Auntie Joy Murphy will sing Welcome to Country before the anthem, while The Temper Trap will provide the pre-match entertainment. The Blues must win Game 2 to stay in the series.