Tributes flow for Tommy Raudonikis

Author: Dan Talintyre
Timestamp: Wed 7 Apr 2021, 01:28 PM

Western Suburbs Magpies legend Tommy Raudonikis has been celebrated as a one-of-a-kind icon by the rugby league community.

The thoughts of all at Wests Tigers are with Tommy's friends and family at this time.

VALE Tommy Raudonikis 🏴🏳 Magpie #655@westsmagpies are saddened to learn of the passing of much loved Magpie Tommy Raudonikis

As both player & coach, Tommy has been at the heart & Soul of the Magpies and their supporters for 50 years.

Our thoughts are with Tommy’s family. pic.twitter.com/dpuRlbnzC3
— Wests Magpies (@westsmagpies) April 6, 2021

The Newtown Jets are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former grand final captain Tommy Raudonikis.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/YO0f49JbdN
— Newtown Jets (@newtownrlfc) April 6, 2021

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Tommy Raudonikis.

A rugby league legend and one of the great characters. Rest in Peace ❤https://t.co/zlETcZ2jwV pic.twitter.com/Y6r2kwcbX4
— NRL (@NRL) April 7, 2021

Look out God. Here comes Tommy. We have lost one of a kind. Rest in peace Tom Raudonikis. A great player; but for character, an absolute immortal. @FOXNRL @fanfoxleague @VossySEN
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) April 6, 2021

What a sad day! Rugby League legend Tommy Raudonikis has passed away. Great Bloke. Wonderful footballer and a true Aussie knockabout who could just about get away with anything. Thoughts with Trish and Family. RIP Legend
— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) April 6, 2021

Many hard men are shedding a tear now for Tommy Raudonikis. He was genuinely one of a kind - tough, brilliant, funny, outrageous, clever & universally popular. No matter the situation Tommy always made you feel good. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him & many who didn’t.
— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) April 6, 2021

Vale Tom Raudonikis
13/4/50 – 7/4/21
Member #330
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tom Raudonikis. As a player Tommy gave no quarter and he fought in life as he did on the field with everything he had. Thanks for everything Tommy 💙 pic.twitter.com/RV7MjOnGcZ
— Men of League (@menofleague) April 7, 2021

RIP Tommy #LEGEND ⚫️⚪️🔵
— Lote Tuqiri 🇫🇯🇦🇺 (@LoteTuqiri) April 7, 2021

RIP Tommy 🙏🏽
Sending my condolences to the family 🌹 #legend
— Scott Prince (@scottprince7) April 6, 2021

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Rugby League legend Tom Raudonikis has lost his long term battle with illness - a champion on the field with @westsmagpies @newtownrlfc and @NSWBlues and a champion every day off the field in life #respect
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 7, 2021

Not many bigger characters in the game of rugby league than Tommy Raudonikis, Rest In Peace Legend #CattleDog pic.twitter.com/paQHmZfRVY
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) April 7, 2021

Devastated to learn that the great Tommy Raudonikis has died after a long battle with cancer. My heart goes out to Trish and family. Vale. pic.twitter.com/ozUeDn5pBL
— Marina Go (@marinasgo) April 6, 2021

Just spoke to John Lang about Tommy Raudonikis- they were in the ‘73 Kangaroos tour together.

He last saw Tommy in November at a league function on the Gold Coast.

“We used to call him Tommy Ridiculous. He was a force of nature.”

💔
— Dominique Loudon (@dloudon9) April 6, 2021

Tommy Raudonikis

Playing Career (1969-82)
238 Games - 201 @westsmagpies & 37 @newtownrlfc
Hall of Fame #75
Inaugural Captain @NSWBlues
29 Tests @Kangaroos
1972 Rothmans Medal Winner

Coaching Career (1995-99)
115 Games Wests Magpies (39 Wins)
6 Games NSW (Won 1997 Series)
— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) April 7, 2021

In a blue jersey, Tommy Raudonikis never gave the @QLDmaroons an inch but we loved his passion and his commitment, and we welcomed him when he made his home in Queensland.

My condolences to his family at this sad time.@NSWBlues @NRL https://t.co/UQuwmrQOnS
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) April 7, 2021

What a legend Tommy Raudonikis is. The nicest tough guy ever. I’m sure him and Big Artie are having a schooner together somewhere.
— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) April 6, 2021

Rugby League lost a legend today and I lost a childhood hero.
RIP Tommy Raudonikis. pic.twitter.com/Ilb5mvngkM
— Rob Brown (@comicrobbrown) April 7, 2021

Vale Tommy Raudonikis. He gave his heart and soul to two great Inner West institutions the Wests Magpies and the Newtown Jets. What an incredible Australian character, beloved by rugby league fans across the land. Thanks for all the memories Tommy #tommyraudonikis pic.twitter.com/kVk34b5eaW
— Darcy Byrne (@MayorDarcy) April 7, 2021

I covered a lot of Wests games in my cadet year in 99.

One day after a rare victory my walk into the rooms for the coach IV was greeted with a wild hug from a man in a sweaty white shirt stained with the blood of his players & stinking of cigs

That was Tom Raudonikis #RIP
— QUENTIN HULL (@QuentinHull) April 7, 2021