The NRL's grand final pre-game entertainment starring Cold Chisel and Jessica Mauboy trumped the efforts by the AFL on Saturday.

In 32 degree heat Jimmy Barnes and his band put on a blistering performance of three classics with the 80,000 strong crowd (and social media) singing their praises.

Unlike the AFL's gaffe prone pre-match performances in Melbourne on Saturday, which saw British pop star Ellie Goulding having to defend claims she lip-synced her lacklustre set, Barnes, Ian Moss and co, complete with their own mosh pit, exceeded expectations.

The 59-year-old rocker belted out Khe Sanh and Flame Trees with more gusto than Pavarotti. Ian Moss and his axe then closed the performance with a riff heavy version of Bow River.

While the pub anthem tunes were a welcome reprieve from the AFL's choice of international pop stars, Barnes' outfit choice had many puzzled.

His leather ensemble with more zips than Kevin Rudd ever mentioned, appeared to be a gothic inspired Freddie Mercury jumpsuit. One couldn't tell where the pants ended and his heavy biker boots started.

The darling of the NRL (and diehard Cowboys fan) Jessica Mauboy, dressed in a tangerine power suit, put on a stirring performance of the national anthem with the entire stadium and players singing along. Unlike Kate Ceberano at the AFL grand final she knew the words.