Tina Turner: How ‘The Best’ Hit Track Became Theme Tune for the New South Wales Rugby League

• Tina Turner's hit song became the theme tune for the New South Wales Rugby League in the late 1980s and the early 1990s
• The legendary music superstar passed away peacefully on May 24 this year and the world has continued to pay her tributes
• At the time, Turner was approached by Australian Rugby League officials to film an ad campaign using one of her hit tracks

The Best crooner, Tina Turner passed away at 83, but she left indelible footprints in music and sport as her lead track became the theme tune for the New South Wales Rugby League in the late 80s and 90s.

The song changed the face of the Rugby League in Australia forever as it hit the screens on several occasions, until the Winfield Cup Edition and the Grand Final Edition in 1993.

Although it was argued that football is the most popular sport in Australia, many have argued that rugby is also famous - and some have credited Turner for having such a massive impact.

Finally it is here! Ranking of the 20 best English footballers of all time

Football

Tina Turner’s impact on sport

The Best was originally released in 1989 as the lead single from the album Foreign Affair. The song became the theme tune for the New South Wales Rugby League in Australia.

At the time, the Rugby League was not a multibillion-dollar venture as it is right now. It was known as NSWRL, which is known for featuring alongside tobacco advertisements.

Stakeholders realised they needed a new audience as the VFL was already expanding in the south.

Top advertising chief, Jim Walpole approached the NSWRL with the idea of using Turner to film an advert using her hit song, What You Get Is What You See.

The naturalised Swiss was already an international icon, and as soon as she was made figurehead for the Rugby League, everything changed for the positive.

The then-NSWRL general manager, John Quayle told ABC Brisbane:

Which country invented the game of cricket? History and all the facts

Cricket

"She was that international icon. It was a wonderful time for all of us. To think that we were a part of it during the time that was wonderful for rugby league. It was a special time for all of us."

For almost a century now, the Rugby League has dominated the sporting space in New South Wales and Queensland.

NSWRL's Tina Turner advertisement

How Tina Turner passed away

On May 24, news filtered in that the rock and roll superstar had passed away.

The Guardian reports that she had suffered ill health in recent years, being diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and having a kidney transplant in 2017.

Her publicist, Bernard Doherty released a statement over her passage in a statement, via India Times:

"Tina Turner, the 'Queen of Rock 'n Roll' has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model."

The history of basketball and all the facts about the origin of the game

NBA

Tributes aplenty for Tina Turner

Sports Brief also reported on the death of music icon, Tina Turner and the numerous tributes pouring in for the iconic rock and roll superstar.

Lakers greats, LeBron James and Magic Johnson were among those who paid tribute to the singer, who passed away at the age of 83.

Magic posted a message on Twitter after the news of Turner’s passing broke, praising the legendary singer, while James posted to Instagram.