Robbie Mortimer’s Unforgettable State of Origin Performance
Country singer Robbie Mortimer has released two albums throughout his career, but it wasn’t until he performed the national anthem at this year’s first State of Origin match that he became a household name among rugby league fans. Unfortunately for Mortimer, his performance of Advance Australia Fair on Monday night has left a lasting impression—though not in the way he hoped.
The reaction from NRL supporters was mixed, with many describing his rendition as one of the worst they had ever heard. Online comment sections were flooded with criticism, with fans expressing their disappointment and even disbelief at how the song was delivered. One fan wrote, “Is it me, or was that rendition of the National Anthem at the #Origin a shocker?” while another added, “It was a shocker musically speaking, but on the other hand, it was about as Aussie as you could possibly get.”
Fans took to social media to voice their opinions, with some calling the performance “disgraceful” and others comparing it to “an orange having a cold if that was a thing.” Another commenter said, “That national anthem was butchered like nothing I’ve ever heard before.” The backlash was immediate and intense, with many fans feeling that the performance overshadowed the game itself.
One of the main points of contention was Mortimer’s accent. Many fans felt that his country and western twang didn’t sound authentically Australian. One person remarked, “It sounded like an American trying to sing the Australian anthem in an Aussie accent.” This perception of inauthenticity contributed to the negative reception of his performance.
Despite the criticism, Mortimer has deep ties to rugby league. His father, Peter Mortimer, and uncle, Steve Mortimer, are both Bulldogs legends. Steve once captained the Blues to their first series win in 1985, while Peter played for NSW in 1979. This family legacy is something Mortimer takes great pride in, and he often references it in his public appearances.
Mortimer began playing guitar at the age of nine and quickly gained recognition in the music industry. He made it to the grand final of the Toyota Star Maker competition in 2023, where he competed against other rising country artists. By that time, he had already released two albums: The Fall of March in 2019 and 200 Years Too Late in 2021. The latter album reached the top 10 of the iTunes chart in Australia, showcasing his growing popularity.
His breakout singles, Blow The Speakers and You Got That Love, topped the CountryTown top 50 chart, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the country music scene.
Mortimer has also shared the stage with major acts such as The Beach Boys and The Temptations. He was nominated for breakthrough artist at last year’s CountryTown Awards, highlighting his potential in the industry. According to his website bio, he grew up on a farm in Orange, NSW, with four older brothers, and blends “traditional country roots with modern rock elements.”
In the past year, Mortimer has amassed over 4.4 million streams and eight million views on Instagram, where he has more than 55,000 followers. Among his followers is Souths star and former NSW Blues player Jack Wighton, who has shown support for Mortimer’s career.
Mortimer has performed across the country at events such as the Dubbo Stock Route Festival, Heart of the Hunter Festival, and Tamworth Carnival of Cups. He has also been the feature artist for the Professional Bullriders’ Association, demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer.
Before his State of Origin performance, Mortimer expressed his excitement on Instagram. “What an honour. My two worlds colliding. I’m honoured to be performing the Australian national anthem tonight at the State of Origin in front of over 82,000 people and millions at home!” he wrote. “Extremely proud to be carrying on the Mortimer legacy, started by my dad and uncles on the rugby league paddock, not to mention my amazing cousin @erinmortimermusic who performed the anthem last year.”
