The singer's management told ABC Sport that she was approached on September 5, but an existing commitment with Macklemore in the United States made the timing impossible.
Her team said Tones explored ways to make the performance work, but "nothing was signed or confirmed in writing" before the offer was declined.
Was Dance Monkey Behind The Failed Deal?
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the parties were also unable to agree on the set list and that Tones had not committed to performing Dance Monkey.
That part of the story remains unconfirmed. Neither Tones And I's team nor Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys has publicly said the hit song ended the talks. V'landys described the problem as "artistic differences" while the singer's management pointed to the short notice and her US commitment.
Dance Monkey became a worldwide hit after its 2019 release, but Tones has previously spoken openly about her complicated relationship with the song and the pressure that followed its success.
What Happens To The NRL's Entertainment Budget?
V'landys said the cost of booking a Grand Final performer was about $1 million. The NRL now plans to redirect that money towards helping children who cannot afford to play rugby league.
The decision means the October 4 decider is expected to go ahead without a headline pre-match music act, breaking with a tradition that has previously featured performers including Teddy Swims, Tina Turner and Billy Idol.
Reality TV viewers currently know Tones as the secret fifth coach on The Voice Australia. Her second-chance role gave rejected singers another path into the competition and sent several artists back into the Blind Auditions.
There may be no NRL stage for Tones this year, but her team is clear on one point: this was a late offer that never became a signed booking.
