Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]

WE WANT A FAIR GO FOR OUR AREA, MORE OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE THAN 4 NRL GAMES AT CAMPBELLTOWN STADIUM

Want to talk all things Wests? Click here for our Facebook Page
Add Reply
Raudonikis, Tommy; 1st Grade No. 655
Topic Started: Jan 31 2007, 08:53 PM (5,629 Views)
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Kangaroo Number: 458

Rep Details:
International Details: 1972 World Cup, 1973 Kangaroo Tour, 1975 World Series, 1977 World Series, 1978 Kangaroo Tour, 1980 NZ Tour.
State of Origin: 1 (Game 1 Queensland 20 - New South Wales 10 #7 Halfback 1t)





Tommy Raudonikis is an Australian rugby league identity . He played over twenty-nine Tests and World Cup games as Australian test halfback and captained his country in two tests during the 1973 Kangarooo tour.

Born in Bathurst, NSW in 1950 Raudonikis is the son of a Lithuanian father and a Swiss mother who emigrated to Australia after WWII.

He played 204 games for the Western Suburbs Magpies between 1969 and 1979 before moving to the Newtown Jets for 37 games in three seasons between 1980 and 1982. He played under two famous coaches, Roy Masters at Wests, and Warren Ryan, at Newtown. Some rate him the toughest player to have ever played in the halves.

He was first selected in an Australian squad in 1971 behind Souths halfback Bob Grant and made his run on debut in 1972 against the Kiwis. He was the regular Test halfback for the next six years. He made Test appearances up until 1980 by which time he was being challenged by Greg Oliphant and Steve Mortimer.

He was the first New South Wales State of Origin player to also coach his State, having captained NSW in the inaugural 1980 contest and coached the 1997 and 1998 series. He is also a part of State of Origin folklore after starting the infamous 'cattle dog' call, which caused some of the games most famous all-in-brawls.

Raudonikis coached the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1995 to 1999 up until the formation of the Wests Tigers joint venture with the Balmain Tigers. He had some initial coaching success making the finals in 1996, but the Wests were unable to build on this success, and only won six games in their final two seasons finishing both with the Wooden Spoon.

in 2008, Tommy Raudonikis was selected in Australia's Top 100 Greatest Rugby League Players.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Tommy looking on as the Magpies Coach in the late 90's
Posted Image


Posted Image

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
TOM RAUDONIKIS

Posted Image

POSITION: Halfback

CLUBS: Wagga Kangaroos 1969; Western Suburbs 1969-79; Newtown 1980-82; Brisbane Brothers 1983. TESTS: 20 (1972-80, 2 as captain). WORLD CUP: 9 (1972-77). NSW: 24 (1971-80, 1 Origin)

Although Tom Raudonikis was a larrikin worthy of mentoring Dallas Donnelly on and off the field, he also mixed toughness with a speed off the mark that allowed him to create opportunities, an ability to organise and select his forwards as runners or alternative utilise the talents outside him, and a short kicking game that could be deadly. His defence would have done any forward proud, and he could grass opponents of any size with his copybook tackling technique.

born in Cowra to Ukrainian parents, Raudonikis grew up at wagga Wagga and while serving in the air force there came to the attention of Arthur Summons, who helped him join Wests in Sydney in 1969. Two years later, Raudonikis made his début for NSW and Australia, and he played his first Test against New Zealand in 1972. Thereafter he was a regular in Australian sides throughout the 1970s.

He made two Kangaroo tours (1973 and 1978), played in four Ashes series, two World Series (1975 and 1977) as well as Tests against New Zealand (1978) and France (1978). He also claimed the Rothmans Medal in 1972.

Raudonikis spearheaded Wests rise through the 1970s from also-rans to contenders, and he had the same effect in three seasons at Newtown. After retiring as a player, he coached Brothers and Ipswich in Queensland before spending a stint as coach of Wests (1995-1998). He coached the NSW State of Origin team in 1997 and 1998.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Tommy Raudonikis OAM (born 1950 in Bathurst, New South Wales) is an Australian rugby league identity. He played over twenty-nine Tests and World Cup games as Australia representative halfback and captained his country in two Tests of the 1973 Kangarooo tour.
Contents


Early life and club playing career

Raudonikis is the son of a Lithuanian father and a Swiss mother who emigrated to Australia after WWII. He played 202 games for the Western Suburbs Magpies between 1969 and 1979 before moving to the Newtown Jets for 37 games in three seasons between 1980 and 1982. Raudonikis played under two famous coaches, Roy Masters at Wests and Warren Ryan at Newtown. Some rate him the toughest player to have ever played in the halves and in September 2004 he was named in the Western Suburbs Magpies team of the century.

In 1972 he won the NSW Rothmans Medal awarded to the Best & Fairest Player of the year with 20 votes.

Representative playing career

He was first selected in an Australian squad in 1971 behind Souths halfback Bob Grant and made his run on debut in 1972 against the Kiwis (the same year he won the Rothmans Medal for best club player for the season). He was the regular Test halfback for the next six years. He made Test appearances up until 1980 by which time he was being challenged by Greg Oliphant and Steve Mortimer.

He was the captain of the New South Wales State of Origin team in the inaugural 1980 contest.

Coaching career

Raudonikis' final playing year was in a captain coach role at Brisbane Brothers in 1983. He later coached Brisbane Norths and the Ipswich Jets in the Brisbane Rugby League premiership. Returning to Sydney, he was coach of the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1995 up until the formation of the Wests Tigers joint venture with the Balmain Tigers at the end of 1999. He had some initial coaching success making the finals in 1996, but Wests were ultimately unable to build on this and only won six games in their final two seasons.

Raudonikis coached the Blues in the 1997 and 1998 series. In those series he entered State of Origin folklore when he introduced the "cattle dog" call to which NSW players responded by breaking from the scrum with fists flying, resulting in two infamous all-in-brawls.

In the media

He is a long term friend of 2GB radio station owner John Singleton. Through this friendship, he also participates as a commentator for the Continuous Call Team with Ray Hadley on 2GB.

His hospitalisation in August 2006, for a heart bypass operation, made Australian sports news and drew messages of support from a spectrum of famous former players including Wests icons Arthur Summons (the subject of the NRL trophy with Norm Provan.)

Currently Raudonikis works as a part of the Channel 9 rugby league commentary team.

In February 2008, Raudonikis was named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players (1908-2007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year in Australia.


Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(Wests 1969-79) 204 games - 29t (87pts).
(Newtown 1980-82) 37 games - 4t (12pts).
(NSW 1971-80) 24 games - 11t (33pts).
(Australia 1971-75 & 1977-80) 20 Tests - 2t (6pts).
Tough, tenacious ‘Tom Terrific’ never took a backward step on the football field.
Originally from Cowra, the dynamic halfback came to Wests from Wagga in 1969 on the recommendation of his country coach, former NZ international centre Graham Kennedy, and the advice of Australian captain-coach Arthur Summons.
Despite Wests finishing last in 1970, Raudonikis impressed with his whole-hearted efforts with the Magpies.
He first played for NSW in 1971 and toured NZ with the Australian squad that year.
He made the first of 20 Test appearances against the Kiwis the following year and won the Rothmans Medal for best and fairest player.
Raudonikis terrorised his opponents - halfbacks and forwards alike - with his resolute competitiveness.
He was the top Australian halfback during the 1970s and captained Australia in the third and deciding Test against Great Britain on the 1973 Kangaroo tour.
Raudonikis also played in two World Cup wins (1975 & 1977), four Ashes series (1973, 1974, 1978 & 1979) and against France (1978) and NZ (1978 & 1980).
Testimony to his toughness was the celebrated occasion in 1977 when he was relegated to the reserve bench in an interstate match in favour of a young Steve Mortimer.
NSW was losing when Raudonikis took the field late in the second half but quickly instigated a fight with his opposite number Greg Oliphant (who was being treated for an injury on the sideline!) and inspired NSW to a narrow 14-13 win with a great try.
The only player to top 200 first grade games with Wests, he shocked everyone in the game when he accepted an offer from John Singleton to play for Newtown in 1980.
He captained NSW in the inaugural State of Origin match and toured NZ that year where he made his final Test appearance in Australia's Second Test win in Auckland.
One of Raudonikis' greatest matches was in the 1981 grand final but despite scoring a marvellous solo try he could not stave off defeat against the Eels.
He spent much of the following season on the sidelines after being sent off in a reserve grade match for his tackle on P'matta hooker Ernie Garland.
Suspended for 12 weeks, he left Sydney soon after for a player-coach career with Brisbane Brothers.
Raudonikis later coached Brisbane Norths and Ipswich (where a young halfback named Allan Langer emerged in the mid-1980s).
Like a blast from the past, and with the Wests club at the crossroads following the resignation of coach Warren Ryan toward the end of the 1994 season, Raudonikis was lured back to the club to take over the coaching reins in 1995.
The former champion player quickly instilled spirit back into the ailing club and was rewarded for his efforts with his appointment as NSW State coach in the divided 1997 ARL season.
After winning the 1997 State of Origin series, his team was beaten by the Wayne Bennett-coached Maroons in 1998 and with the Wests club facing the possibility of extinction, Raudonikis stood down from his Origin post in 1999.
Following Wests’ merger with Balmain at the end of the year, Raudonikis returned to Qld to live and makes sporadic media forays each year at State of Origin time.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Tom Raudonikis O.A.M.

Tough tenacious 'Tom Terrific' never took a backward step on the football field. Originally from Cowra, the dynamic halfback came to Wests from Wagga in 1969 on the recommendation of his coach, former Australian Captain Coach Arthur Summons. Despite the Club finishing last in 1970, Raudonikis impressed with his wholehearted efforts with the Magpies.

He first played for NSW in 1971 and toured NZ with the Australian side. Raudonikis terrorized his opponents- halfbacks and forwards alike, with his resolute brand of competitiveness.

He was named the halfback in the team of the 70's that was named recently. He Captained Australia in the Third and deciding Test against Great Britain on the 1973 Kangaroo Tour, playing in two World Series wins (1975 and 1977), four Ashes series (1973, 1974, 1978 and 1979) and against France (1978) and NZ (1978 and 1980).

In 1980 he accepted an offer from John Singleton to play for Newtown and captained NSW in the Inaugural State of Origin match. He toured NZ that year, making his last Test appearance in Australia's Second Test win in Auckland.

Tom returned to coach the Wests Magpies in 1995 and quickly instilled a spirit back into the ailing club. He coached NSW in State of Origin from 1996 to 1998.
Career Statistics:
Tests: 20 Games for Australia
State of Origins: 1 game for NSW
Wests: 204 First Grade games
Newtown: 37 First Grade games
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image

Posted Image


Posted Image

Posted Image

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image

Posted Image

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Born in Bathurst, NSW.
• 240+ senior games for WESTERN
SUBURBS MAGPIES and
NEWTOWN JETS.
• Won the 1972 Rothmans Medal
• NSW and Australian halfback in
the 1970’s.
• First NSW State of Origin
captain in 1980.
• Coached Western Suburbs Magpies from 1995 to 1999
• Coached NSW Blues in 1997 and 1998
• Kangaroos captain in 1973 for 2
tests.
• 29 Test and World Cup caps.
• Awarded an Order of Australian
Merit (OAM) in 1982.
• Team of the Century with West
Tigers and Western Suburbs.
• Men of League’s Toughest 12.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Number 7
Born in 1950 holding a football to his chest
Tommy Raudonikis came from Cowra, via Wagga, to the Wests

This rugged Magpie halfback, intimidating tough & strong
Would terrorise opponents in a career a full 13 years long.

204 games for Western suburbs from ’69 – ‘79
With socks around his ankles and murder on his mind

Then he went to Hensen Park to lead the Newtown Blues
In 37 games, a close Grand Final loss, between ’80 –’82.

24 games for New South Wales in the decade from ‘71
And 14 tests in green & gold for this fiery ‘son of a gun’

Size meant nothing to Tommy, or the numbers on blokes backs,
Big or small…he hammered in defence and in attack.

A career spent in two battling clubs, no silvertail in him.
The tougher, harder & dirtier it got, it just made Raudonikis grin

Whether playing in club games, Tests, World Cups, or for his State,
“Tom Terrific’s” passion & guts always inspired his mates.

He gave it away after 13 years, went north to Captain-Coach
Brisbane Brothers, then Norths & Ipswich with his fierce approach

Was what NSW needed…in ’97 NSW turned to him
And he responded & coached the Blues to a series Origin win.

These days you know that every year when Origin comes around
The media chase him for a quote and he never lets ‘em down

Multiple replacements, streaked hair, & nice guys make his gruff
voice rasp
For Tom there’s only been one way – “PUT ‘EM ON THEIR ARSE”

Well, there might have been a slicker halfback or two in history
And there may have been faster ones on that we will agree

But there’s been few better and not one tougher since the code
began
Than Tommy Raudonikis, No 7, a legend in this land.





An original composition by Lindsay Young 2007.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tggNOZf1MA
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Raudonikis reveals regard for city of 'good people'
01 Oct, 2011 01:00 AM
Rugby league legend Tommy Raudonikis yesterday revealed he still feels a special bond with Wagga thanks to the city acting as a launching pad for his rugby league career.
Raudonikis was born in Cowra but moved to Wagga when he was young to join the airforce.

He lived in the city for two-and-a-half years and was playing for Wagga Kangaroos when he was re-posted to Sydney on the recommendation of former Australian captain Arthur Summons.

Raudonikis made his debut for Western Suburbs in 1969 and went on to play for 10 years and 204 games at the club, before switching to Newtown in 1980 and finishing his career there.

He also represented NSW on 22 occasions and played 20 tests for Australia, and was the premier Australian halfback during the 1970s.

Raudonikis was in Wagga yesterday to act as a guest speaker at the Sportsmans Lunch at the Kooringal Hotel, and spoke of his affection for the city.

"I've been back here guest speaking a few times, but I feel like I'm part of the town because it gave me a bit of a start with my footy," Raudonikis told The Daily Advertiser yesterday.

"They're good people here and I enjoy coming back every time I do."

“It was a good upbringing, and it brings back good memories.”

Raudonikis was invited to speak at the lunch along with former Hawthorn champion John Platten.

The pair spoke to the crowd about today’s AFL grand final and tomorrow’s NRL grand final, as well as filling them in on the highlights of their respective careers.

Raudonikis yesterday backed the Warriors to spring a surprise win over premiership favourite Manly tomorrow.

“Warriors have been flying under the radar for so long and I think they’ve caught a lot of blokes napping,” he said.

“There’s not going to be much in the game.

“It’ll be a forwards game, and they have both got great backs.

“But the game’s going to be won in the forwards I believe.”

Raudonikis flew in and out of Wagga yesterday afternoon and is planning to attend a Kangaroos reunion today, before sitting down to watch tomorrow’s decider.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
galahs
Member Avatar
State of Origin
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · Magpies Player Records · Next Topic »
Add Reply


www.wests.co.nr is an unofficial forum run by volunteer Rugby League Supporters
Posts, messages, views, expressions or opinions on this forum DO NOT represent the official view of ANY Football Club.

Free Domains Hosting at .co.nr