Peter Slipper (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I proudly stand here today as a supporter of Australia's pre-eminent football code in the days prior to the Rugby World Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand. The Rugby World Cup is well underway and I know that all Australians support the Wallabies and wish them well in their quest to win this footballing icon.

If honourable members would allow me to be slightly self-indulgent, my nephew, James Slipper, is a prop with the Wallabies. My father tells me that his footballing ability is a genetic inheritance. I looked in the mirror this morning and I am living and breathing proof of the fact that fathers do not always tell the truth.

I think we ought to recognise all young athletes of all codes and all sports, because it is incredibly difficult for them to maintain the commitment and discipline beyond their years to rise to the very top of their chosen sport. It is important to recognise, as Bear Bryant, the American football coach from 1913 to 1983, said:

It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.

Go the Wallabies!