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First-class return for surprise rugby league world champs NZ
AFP - Monday, November 24
AUCKLAND (AFP) - - Members of the world champion New Zealand rugby league team flew home to a heroes' welcome on Sunday, greeted by hundreds of ecstatic supporters as they arrived in Auckland with their trophy.
To chants of "Kiwi" and an impromptu haka, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei and Evarn Tuimavavae emerged from the arrivals hall with the cup following their shock 34-20 win over Australia in Saturday night's final in Brisbane.
It was the first time New Zealand have won the rugby league World Cup in its 54-year history, and on the flight from Australia it was given its own business class seat reserved in the name of Mr T. Rophy.
As fans dressed in New Zealand regalia and holding banners reading "Kiwis are the best" swamped the players, Vatuvei admitted he was overwhelmed by the reception.
"I'm pretty shocked that everyone came and supported us," he said as he was surrounded by well-wishers.
"It's just unlucky that the other boys didn't come and receive this too but I'm pretty happy that the crowd was there for us."
Other members of the team are either based in Australia or have stayed on for a holiday.
New Zealand were firm underdogs against the red-hot Australians in the final but Vatuvei said they never lost faith in themselves.
"We took it on board that we could win the World Cup and we proved that anyone can win the World Cup, not just Australia."
Ropati said the team had spoken in the lead-up to the final about their self-belief.
"It was our one and only chance to make history. We came out hard and at the end of the day we just felt like we wanted it more than them."
But the win does have one strong Australian connection, with legendary coach Wayne Bennett drafted in to help prepare the Kiwis as assistant coach.
The former Kangaroos, Queensland and Brisbane mentor declined all interview requests after the final.
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