The 2025 NRL grand final is here and the code’s decision to book American singer Teddy Swims has stoked the flames of an age-old debate: The grand final isn’t just a game; it’s a stage - and the question is, who deserves the spotlight?

Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app.

The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Teddy swim…or sink on the NRL’s big stage?