WESTS Tigers fans will be denied the opportunity to cheer their heroes in a ticker tape parade ? despite Swans supporters getting that chance days after their team's Grand Final victory.
A spokesman for Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the team had been offered a "private victory reception" at Town Hall.
He said there had been no discussion of a parade because that would set a precedent that would be difficult to maintain.
"Every second year we would have to have one for a Sydney team and we'd have to do it for basketballers, cricketers and netballers," he said.
The spokesman said the Swans were given a city parade because their victory was an "historical, one-off first" where a Sydney team had won the AFL grand final.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said it was important Wests Tigers fans got an appropriate opportunity to celebrate the victory.
"Wests Tigers fans deserve to share in the glory of winning the premiership," Mr Gallop said yesterday.
"They have shown they know how to party."
Fans basking in the glory of victory were in no doubt yesterday. Lifelong supporter Nita LoSurdo said after 50 years behind the team it could be her only chance to enjoy the spoils of victory.
"Of course there should be a parade, it might be another 30 years before we win another grand final. I might not live to see the next one."
In a spectacular homecoming, players yesterday lapped up the victory in front of thousands of delirious fans.
First they were hailed by more than 2000 people screaming "we want the Tigers" at their Campbelltown ground.
Almost twice as many gathered at Leichhardt Oval to cheer as captain Scott Prince made sure fans knew the significance of his last name by regally bowing to the stands.
Most fans were yet to go to bed after a wild night celebrating. The joy of loyal fans who have stuck by the team in difficult years was palpable.
"All my life I have watched grand finals and tried to get excited for other sides but until it's your team you don't understand the feeling," an ecstatic Jason Lincoln said.
Eduardo Sanchez from Ashfield banged on a cake tin with his Tigers flag.
"Everyone is telling me to shut up but you have got to make some noise," he said. "I have been waiting for this for a very long time," he said.
Dailytelegraph.com.au
dammit stupid poll button!!! i was going to add a poll.
So what do you think? Do you think its fair that the tigers miss out on a ticker tape parade?