'Roos to decide on RLWC warcry celebration

Oct 23, 2017 - 5:13 AM The Kangaroos will this week decide whether to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their last pre-game warcry in their Rugby League World Cup opener in Melbourne.

Not since a touring Kangaroos team performed an indigenous warcry in 1967-68 has a ritual been performed by the national side before a Test match.

However final discussions are in place to introduce a historic new ritual before the Kangaroos kickoff against England at AAMI Park on Friday.

"I'm sure we'll have a chat about it and some of the stuff that's been talked about has been pretty good," forward Matt Gillett said on Monday.

"Hopefully that works out and we get to do something."

World Cup broadcasters Channel Seven are understood to have approved the idea, with the decision now resting in the hands of the playing group.

It is believed injured star Johnathan Thurston would be central to the routine, which would incorporate part of their RISE (Respect. Inspire. Selfless. Excellence) mantra.

Players began nutting out the details during their recent pre-World Cup exhibition match against Fiji and Papua New Guinea a fortnight ago.

"It would be (historic); something very proud to be a part of," Gillett said.

"It's not set in stone yet, we're still discussing it and we've done a few things before we left for Fiji around it.

"Hopefully today we have a good chat about it and see where it's at."

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has previously said the concept needed to be explored, however should integrate all nationalities.

"Indigenous people are part of Australia (but) I think it's got to be more all encompassing around multicultural values," he said last year.

"If we can do something like that and we do it well -- that's the more important part -- I think it'll be a great spectacle."

Source: AAP