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'Not bothered' Kangaroos content with low-key homecoming
SYDNEY (Reuters) -- Australia's rugby league team said on Wednesday it was "not bothered" about not having a tickertape parade through the streets of Sydney following its victory in the World Cup final in England. "People talk about tickertape parades, well when that 80th minute went and I did a lap of honor with the guys I think that's all you need and I know other people are supporting us at home," Australian winger Wendell Sailor told reporters at Sydney airport. Sailor was man of the match in the final, scoring two tries as Australia, a 1-7 favorites to win the tournament, crushed New Zealand 40-12 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. Unlike the way sports-mad Australians have treated their Olympians, Paralympians and World Cup heroes in other sports such as rugby union and cricket, the Kangaroos will not be given a tickertape parade. Prime Minister John Howard will give a special civic reception for the team early next year. Second rower Nathan Hindmarsh said he was "not too bothered" about the lack of a public ceremony. "We're World Cup champions so that's the main thing," he said. "If we lost it would've been a different story and there would've been cameras everywhere." Vice-captain Gorden Tallis said: "It's been a very long year and I think everyone just wants to do their own thing." Australian Rugby League (ARL) chairman Colin Love said the ARL would not be pushing for a tickertape parade and that the civic reception would be a "wonderful thing because they're an outstanding team."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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