Trio want fans to whip up green- and- gold frenzy
KANGAROOS stars have appealed for Australian fans to match the Barmy Army in tomorrow night’s World Cup final against England.
Australian and Queensland Origin trio Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Michael Morgan were blown away by the sea of red formed by 30,000 flagwaving Tongan fans in last week’s semi- final against England.
The trio are hoping Suncorp Stadium will be decked out in green and gold for what could be Slater’s final game for Australia. More than 30,000 tickets have been sold and Cronk urged fans to whip up an Origin- style frenzy.
“It could be the end for Billy, so hopefully the Australian fans can ensure a packed Suncorp Stadium,” Cronk said. “I have to tip my hat to the supporters and countries in this World Cup. The scenes in the Tonga- England game last week were just incredible.
“There is no doubt that the tournament itself — the performances, the support and the storylines — has made international league what it is today and that’s bigger than what it was six weeks ago. Part of our job and responsibility is not only to play the game but promote it.
“Some of the Pacific Islands nations have passion, honour and pride in their jersey. The English faithful have the Barmy Army out here and hopefully with the Ashes cricket series in Brisbane last week, they will hang around for the final.
“But don’t forget the emotion and passion of the Australian supporters and the passion the Kangaroos have wearing the green- and- gold jersey.
“There will be some tears in our eyes. There’s nothing better than a spectacle between two famous Ashes rivals and it deserves its grandest stage.”
Slater, who will play his 30th Test tomorrow, hopes Kangaroos fans are not outnumbered by the Barmy Army.
“Having that home support makes a difference,” he said. “We saw that with Tonga — the atmosphere at their games blew me away and started something special for the World Cup.
“This could be it for me in green and gold, so hopefully we see plenty of green and gold in the stands.”