By STEVE MASCORD
THE CANBERRA Raiders must pay for repairs to the Winfield Cup after it was broken in celebrations yesterday, NSW Rugby League chairman Ken Arthurson said.
The Winfield Cup was looking as sore and sorry as most of the still-celebrating Canberra players after being damaged during yesterday’s motorcade through Canberra.
The festivities began after the Raiders’ historic 19-14 grand-final victory over Balmain at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
But the Cup suffered a broken base after toppling over in the back one of the restored Holdens which carried the players through the streets of Canberra before 10000 residents.
“We are naturally concerned at the Winfield Cup being broken, and we expect Canberra to take full responsibility or repairing it,” Arthurson said.
“1 shouldn’t imagine the damage would be irreparable, but the Cup is worth quite a bit of money.”
The Australian Timber Industry volunteered last night on ABC television to repair the cup base after the industry was attacked in pre-match, pro conservation promotions.
Raiders chief executive John Mclntyre said a collision during the motorcade had caused the accident. “There was a collision between a bus and a car in the motorcade today,” Mclntyre said.
“It was an open car and as a result of the collision the statue fell off the back.”
Mclntyre said arrangements had been made for a cabinet maker to repair the trophy in time for a presentation ceremony on Wednesday.
Raiders second rower Gary Coyne said the club was now in a position to build a dynasty after yesterday’s heroic premiership victory.
“We’re going to be the team of the 90s,”
Coyne said. “We’ve built up to this and now we can really go on with it.”
Captain Mai Meninga said the crucial role played by replacement forward Steve Jackson on Sunday was a testament to the club’s future.
“There’s a big future,” Meninga said. “1 think I’ll retire here.”
This story was issued by Australian Associated Press on the evening of September 25, 1989.
