Singer Robbie Williams new face of NRL TV campaign
DAVID RICCIOCHIEF SPORTS WRITER
The Sunday Telegraph
February 08, 2015 12:00AM
THE NRL is vowing to entertain us with the help of one of the biggest names in pop.
Robbie Williams is the face of the NRL’s new TV campaign with his stadium-anthem Let Me Entertain You set to have footy fans rocking in 2015.
The iconic song was strategically chosen by the NRL to reaffirm the game’s pitch as Australia’s greatest form of sporting entertainment.
The UK star’s new relationship with the NRL could lead to an appearance at this year’s NRL Grand Final.
The television commercial, which is in the final stages of production, showcases all 16 NRL clubs as well the game’s biggest names including Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce.
The commercial also has a sense of fun and frivolity, a throwback to the early ’90s when Tina Turner’s smash hit Simply The Best transformed sweaty footballers on the field, into appealing, lighthearted characters off it.
This year’s commercial boasts a similar feel with one scene showing Inglis cross paths with a group of women practising his famous post-try celebration “The Goanna”, during their yoga class.
Another scene shows Penrith’s James Segeyaro come to life on a poster inside the bedroom of a young Panthers fan.
NRL head of marketing, digital and content Lewis Pullen said he was confident Williams’ song would prove a hit with fans.
“There is no better fit for our brand than Robbie Williams, who is one of the most popular entertainers in the world,” he said.
“He is one of the biggest names in world music and this track remains one of his most iconic.
“It also speaks for what we are about — providing the best entertainment possible for our supporters.
“This season is shaping up as the biggest yet and it’s only fitting to have this track as the game’s anthem in 2015.”
