Stateside audience called pre-show entertainment a ‘snowfest’ as New Zealand pop band Six60 took to the stage with ‘random’ haka performers: ‘I’m a Kiwi but this is chaos!’
State of Origin fans have slammed the hosts for choosing New Zealand pop band Six60 as pre-game entertainment for Game Three on Wednesday night.
The group performed their hit Don’t Forget Your Roots, complete with a haka performance, on stage at Sydney’s Olympic Park.
But many fans were confused by the act and questioned why an Australian band wasn’t the opening act.
‘How disappointing #NRL couldn’t book an Australian artist to open Game 3. #origin #StateofOrigin #origin2023,’ one viewer wrote.
‘Some strange things happened at the beginning of the pregame. Why Kiwis on stage? Get the band, but it has nothing to do with Nz. #StateofOrigin,’ another commented.
State of Origin fans have slammed the hosts for choosing New Zealand band Six60 as pre-game entertainment for Game Three on Wednesday night.
The team took to the stage at Sydney’s Olympic Park to bust out their hits with a haka performance for the crowd
A third said: ‘Why do we have the NZ Haka ceremony as a pre game before kick off??? #Origin23 #StateofOrigin.’
‘Just wondering why NSW and QLD are playing and we have a New Zealand pop group as entertainment #StateofOrigin,’ said another.
One asked: ‘When QLD, Australia vs NSW, Australia are played why do the fans bombard the Mauri music and performers? Do you think it would be more appropriate for an AUS v NZ game?’
‘#StateofOrigin I’m watching Haka instead of Welcome to Country. Were New South Wales confused about who they were playing? I love the haka, but it was too random,’ said another.
‘Why the hell we’ve got a NZ band entertaining anyway. Who the hell that was a good idea. Secondly, when Lara from Entertainment Booking suggests Six60, what a fark, great job Lara, book them before Ruti Hill RSL rips them off,’ wrote another disgruntled fan.
Many fans were confused by the entertainment and questioned why an Australian band was not the opening act
Meanwhile, other fans wondered if the performance was a precursor to one day being staged in New Zealand.
‘Is it like the handover ceremony for next year’s Origin in Auckland?’ A visitor wrote.
‘Anyone else think the NRL is trying to tell us they’re going to move an Origin match to NZ?’ Another said, before adding: After this performance, not surprised.’
‘Is this NRL trying to overlook the fact they are selling #StateOfOrigin to move to NZ??? What a snoring festival!!!!’ Another tweet.
‘How disappointing #NRL couldn’t book an Australian artist to open Game 3. #origin #StateofOrigin #origin2023,’ one viewer wrote
Another said: ‘Why have we got a NZ haka ceremony before it’s dedicated to pre games??? #Origin23 #StateofOrigin’
Despite the criticism, some viewers were impressed with Six60’s pre-game performance.
‘This band really got me in the mood for State of Origin game 3 #StateofOrigin #NRL #Origin,’ said one person.
‘Wow, I don’t know who these guys are but they’re cool,’ commented another.
Another agreed: ‘Finally they’ve got entertainment that actually sounds good live? Wow #nrl #stateoforigin.’
Meanwhile, other fans wondered if the performance was a precursor to one day being staged in New Zealand