Saturday 12 September 2026Victoria edition
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NFL Thrills Australia: 49ers Defeat Rams in Historic Match

The NFL's first match in Australia drew a crowd of over 100,000 fans to the MCG, with the San Francisco 49ers defeating the LA Rams. The event featured a high-energy half-time performance by the Jonas Brothers.

SR
By Staff Reporter
News reporter · Updated about 22 hours ago

The NFL's inaugural match in Australia did not disappoint, with over 100,000 fans flocking to the MCG to witness the San Francisco 49ers triumph over the LA Rams.

The event was a spectacular display of American football, complete with a high-energy half-time performance by the Jonas Brothers, who paid tribute to Australian music legend John Farnham.

A Standout Performance

The 49ers' victory was marked by a memorable moment when centre Jake Brendel caught a pass, a rare sighting in the NFL. The crowd of 100,021 also got to experience a unique touch of Australian Rules football flair when officials mimicked the gesture of raising their arms to signify a successful kick.

An Unforgettable Experience

The event was a celebration of both American and Australian culture. Singer Cody Simpson had the honour of singing the Australian national anthem, 'Advance Australia Fair', before the game, and he even sang the final two lines again as planes flew overhead.

The Jonas Brothers Shine

The Jonas Brothers' half-time show was a highlight of the event, with the band performing a rendition of John Farnham's classic hit 'You're The Voice'. The capacity crowd at the MCG was fully engaged, singing along to the iconic song.

Post-Game Reaction

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle expressed his excitement about experiencing Australian culture, including the tradition of a 'shoey'. When asked if he would like to try it, Kittle replied,

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