Tommy Raudonikis OAM
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.
Download Full Bio.pdf (180.2 KB)
Tommy Raudonikis - Carina Leagues Club, Presentation Night - Robert Brown
“Tommy really made the night - I really do not have a bad word to say about him.
I have seen him a couple of times before so I knew what he was like. It was an excellent night all round
all of the boys really loved him and are still talking about it. Tommy is really good value, even before the show started he was there early in the TAB getting around and talking with everybody, that’s what I really like about him. Tommy is very approachable and very down to earth, on top of that he is a great speaker (swears a lot which we like) he really tells it like it is and knows how to fire everybody up – you really couldn’t fault him at all…..Great night!”
Tommy - CFMEU cocktail party - Narelle Casey
“Tommy really nailed it, his stories were just hilarious! He was very professional, engaging & really knew what he was talking about. He was on time, read the brief and was really well prepared going into it. He mingled with everyone and even made a point to go around to all different tables so he got to speak with everyone which was just great. Having him there was a real attribute to the function”
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