NZRL plan World Cup celebrations

[DIEHARD]

NZRL plan World Cup celebrations

The New Zealand Rugby League is investigating a range of possibilities as it looks to celebrate the Pirtek Kiwis' historic Rugby League World Cup success against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The trophy, hoisted by captain Nathan Cayless after beating Australia 34-20, is in New Zealand's hands for the first time since the competition began in 1954.

It was brought home by squad members Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati and Evarn Tuimavave plus football staff and management on Sunday night.

Team manager Gordon Gibbons handed it to the New Zealand Rugby League Museum's curator Don Hammond on Monday; the cup will be housed there until the next World Cup tournament in 2013.

NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz said it was important that as many New Zealanders as possible were able to see and enjoy a trophy of such significance.

"This success is so special not just for rugby league in New Zealand but for the whole country. We want everyone to enjoy the achievement and celebrate our win," he said.

"Ever since the cup landed on New Zealand soil on Sunday night there has been huge interest in the trophy. Everyone who sees it wants to touch it, hold it or have a photo taken with it. It seems to have captured everyone's interest."

Cordtz said a street parade involving the entire 2008 Pirtek Kiwis squad was one of the possibilities being looked at.

"We have been involved in on-going discussions about the best ways we can go about marking this watershed moment for New Zealand sport," he said.

"There has already been lots of comment about a street parade. It's too soon to say what could be achieved but we are looking closely at the possibility.

"It is, however, a challenging undertaking to put on such an event because of the difficulty in bringing together the players and management at the same time. We hope to have some answers as soon as possible."

Cordtz said a rugby league initiative aimed at kids could also provide a chance to give the cup more exposure to the game's key regions.

"We have developed a Kids to Kiwis programme which we are looking to launch in the New Year. It would make a lot of sense to have the World Cup trophy worked into the tiki tour we have planned to introduce Kids to Kiwis."

While there had already been many requests to have the cup on show at a wide range of events, Cordtz said it wouldn't be possible to satisfy all approaches.

"We will look at all proposals and we'd like to see the cup paraded as often as possible for worthwhile reasons," he said.

"It will certainly be available to see regularly at the New Zealand Rugby League Museum and we're planning to have it on show as part of Auckland's annual Santa Parade this Sunday (November 30)."

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE

Source: http://www.nzrl.co.nz

[rugbyman13]

And what about the Paul Barri?re award or Trophy ?