Footy fans have torn apart the performance of the national anthem ahead of the opening State of Origin game.
Country singer Robbie Mortimer took to the microphone to belt out “Advance Australia Fair” in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Watch the performance of the national anthem via the video player above
However, he appeared to be a little off key — with fans pouring in on social media to brutally slate the rendition.
Follow live updates of tonight’s State of Origin opener here
Journalist Mark Stevens said: “That anthem at Origin was horrendous.”
While fellow reporter Lachlan McKirdy added: “Didn’t realise the national anthem was called Edvence Estrelia Feair.”
Daniel Watson Hayes added: “Overheard some shocking renditions of the Australian national anthem over the years, but that one takes the cake. That was horrendous. Whoever hired him is tone deaf.”
While another person said: “Hard to think of a more terrible rendition of the national anthem than what Robbie Mortimer just served up.”
More replies quickly surfaced, Real Rick saying: “That national anthem was butchered like nothing I’ve ever heard before What the f*** was that?”
Al Garlando replied: “The national anthem was just murdered live on national television to start the State of Origin.”
Andrew Macdougall said: “Possibly the worst signing of the national anthem I have ever heard.”
And Jake reacted: “Is it just me or did the guy singing the national anthem sound like someone taking the p*** out of an Australian accent?”
But there was some praise for the anthem as one fan acknowledged just how difficult a job it is.
Callum said: “At least the national anthem didn’t become a pop song like many others I’ve heard.”
While news.com.au reader Jenny said from inside the stadium: “The anthem sounded fine on the ground, I sang along, it seemed ok to me.”
The criticism of the national anthem comes after Channel 9 had already received a host of scathing comments about their broadcast coverage.
Viewers are often able to watch NRL games on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports throughout the season.
But the Origin series is one of the few times during the year when all Aussie footy lovers have to switch over to Channel 9.
And it is safe to say the backlash was fierce on social media as they broadcast was widely slammed.
One fan said: “State of Origin games are one of the four times a year I watch Channel 9. The other being the Grand Final.
“I’m always struck by how outdated a poor their coverage is. Also, the other shows they advertise during their coverage look like brain rot!”
Another added: “Ch9 coverage has been terrible for many years. It’s frustrating having to watch Origin and GFs (Grand Finals) because they have the rights to those.
“Yes Fox have a few annoying commentators but overall their commentary, coverage and production is not even comparable to 9s.”
A third replied: “I’m exactly the same. When you only watch 4 games a year on Ch9 it stands out even more how pathetic the coverage is.”
A raging fourth simply responded: “Over the Ch9 coverage already.”
And another said: “Why are channel 9 commentators so annoying?”
