‘Very harsh’ reaction to Tina Turner tribute act

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical headlined the pre-match entertainment.

The performance marked the 30th anniversary of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s legendary appearance at the 1993 NSWRL grand final.

Tina, played by musical theatre performer Ruva Ngwenya, sang a collection of the American artist’s classics including ‘Nutbush City Limits’, ‘Proud Mary’ and, from the celebrated advertising campaign for the 1990 rugby league season, ‘The Best’.

The show was well received with fans reminiscing on Turner’s association with the game. However, it was met with some criticism, which led former Wallabies player Peter FitzSimons to jump to the show’s defence.

“Very harsh. Ruva Ngwenya is a brilliant singer/actress, who stars in Tina Turner the Musical which has taken Australia by storm. In the year of Tina Turner’s death, having her pay tribute to the NRL icon’s contribution makes sense. And she did it wonderfully,” FitzSimons said.

Balmain Tigers legend Garry Jack was also a fan of the pre-game entertainment.

“How good was the NRL entertainment with Tina Turner, I’m rocking in my lounge room, takes me back to that great era, “Simply the best” thank you NRL,” he wrote on X.

Turner died in May following a long battle with illness. She was 83.