Wests Tigers are deeply saddened by the passing of rugby league icon Tommy Raudonikis.
One of the game’s most passionate and iconic players, Raudonikis played over 240 games for Western Suburbs Magpies throughout the late 1960’s and 1970’s before contributing further to club as a coach throughout the 1990’s.
His playing and coaching career also extended heavily into the representative arena, having played 60 games for Australia and 24 games for New South Wales, where he also featured as coach for six games between 1997 and 1998.
Named as part of Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers’ respective Teams of the Century, Raudonikis was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1982.
He was inducted as an inaugural Member of the Magpies Hall of Fame and NRL Hall of Fame in 2008.
Raudonikis passed away aged 70 on Wednesday morning.
Wests Tigers Chair Lee Hagipantelis paid credit to Raudonikis’ impact on the club.
“There are few icons in the history of rugby league that will stand as tall as Tommy Raudonikis,” Hagipantelis said.
“Tommy wore the black and white with fervour and passion like no other and is revered for his contribution to our club, our state and our country.
“Tommy will always be remembered as a true legend and unequivocally crucial part of the fabric of Western Suburbs and, in turn, Wests Tigers, and his legacy in the game will certainly live on in the DNA of our club.”
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe reflected on his time spent alongside Raudonikis.
“Tommy is certainly an inspirational part of our club’s history and someone with whom I greatly appreciated spending time with,” Pascoe said.
“His wisdom, insight and passion for our club and game was like no other, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time learning from and listening to him.
“He is without doubt the fiercest competitor I have ever met and is someone who will be deeply remembered and missed by everyone associated with Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers.”
Wests Tigers will recognise and celebrate Tommy Raudonikis’ impact to the club this Sunday when they take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval.
The thoughts of all the club are with Tommy’s friends and family during this time.
