sport news Fans blow at no-shows NRL Penrith Parramatta grand final rugby league panthers ... trends now Footy fans blow up as almost HALF of the NRL's retiring players are no-shows for grand final tribute to stars who are leaving the game Tribute to retiring players at NRL grand final does not go as planned Almost half the players being honoured did not turn up to the decider Footy fans on social media were scathing in their assessment of the tribute By James Cooney For Daily Mail Australia Published: 11:54 BST, 2 October 2022 | Updated: 11:54 BST, 2 October 2022 Viewcomments The NRL's Grand Final pre-game entertainment got off to a shaky start on Sunday night when a tribute to retiring players didn't turn out as planned - and footy fans were quick to slam the disappointing display. The pre-game show was headlined by Jimmy Barnes, but beforehand Aussie hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso performed their hit 'Moments' as part of the tribute to the game's retiring and departing players. A tribute to retiring players (Benji Marshall pictured) before the grand final kicked off didn't go as planned with almost half the players not in attendance With so many players not in attendance for the tribute (Paul Vaughan pictured), the announcer had to repeatedly say 'not in attendance' Footballers stood in the stands as the stadium announcer worked through the list of those who took to the field for the last time in season 2022. However, close to half of those being honoured weren't even at the game - forcing the announcer to repeatedly say 'unable to attend'. 'This is so awkward. Why even honour them if they're not there?' said a Twitter user. 'Should have done a video package if they weren't there,' added another. 'WTF with half the retiring players not attending?' said a third. 'Not quite Robbie Williams is it?' joked another, referring to the pre-game entertainment at the AFL grand final. Jonathan Notley of Bliss N Eso performs during the 2022 NRL Grand Final. Their hit 'Moments' was performed during a lacklustre tribute to players who left the game this year The tribute was supposed to acknowledge 21 retiring or departing players including Josh Morris and Aiden Tolman, who had each racked up 300 games. 'The retiring and departing players tribute is an important moment in our season and for our game, on our biggest day,' NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said. 'This is an opportunity to celebrate and thank the players who have provided so much to rugby league over their careers. We also acknowledge the contribution of their partners and families.' Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility