Casey Barnes' New Single ‘Made For This’ Set To Soundtrack The 2026 NRL Season

It’s a landmark moment for Casey Barnes, whose upcoming single will power Nine’s NRL coverage for the entire 2026 season.

Casey Barnes

Casey Barnes has just announced the release of his brand new single Made For This lands on Friday 27 February and it’s already locked in as one of the biggest sync moments of the year.

Made For This has been selected as the official theme song for Nine Network’s broadcast of the entire 2026 National Rugby League season. The track will feature across all Thursday, Friday and Sunday matches throughout the 30-week season on Nine, its affiliated stations and 9Now, kicking off from Sunday 1 March.

It’s a huge national spotlight and the song sounds built for it. Powered by loud guitars and pounding drums, Made For This is a gritty, defiant anthem about resilience and self-belief. It’s Barnes at his most fired up, doubling down on the determination that has defined his career to date.

“This song is about backing yourself when everything’s on the line,” says Barnes. “It’s about coming back from adversity, not being afraid of the challenge, and using it as fuel.”

Co-written in Nashville with Andy Skib, Jimmy Thow, Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis, the single marks both a sonic and personal evolution. It leans harder into modern country rock punch while holding onto the raw conviction that has earned Barnes a reputation as one of Australia’s most electrifying live performers.

The release also signals a strategic shift behind the scenes. Barnes has recently signed with Community Music (part of Unified Music Group) joining a roster that includes Wade Forster, Pete Murray and Ocean Alley, and has announced new management with respected music manager Dan Biddle. Together, the moves lay the groundwork for what’s shaping up to be a major next phase.

Made For This isn’t just a another single, it’s the opening statement of a new album, with Barnes confirming a brand new studio album slated for mid-2026.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Barnes is set to hit the main stage at the iconic CMC Rocks QLD festival in Ipswich this March, before rolling through more festivals and a national headline tour in support of the upcoming album.

Made For This drops Friday 27 February, with fans able to hear it in action when Nine’s NRL coverage launches on Sunday 1 March.