‘That Cattledog spirit will live forever’: Rugby league mourns ‘legend of the game’ Raudonikis

Rugby league is in mourning after iconic halfback and coach Tommy Raudonikis died aged 70 after a long battle with cancer.

Raudonikis played 20 times for Australia and both Western Suburbs and Newtown Jets at club level, as well as coaching the NSW State of Origin team in 1997 and 1998.

He is being hailed as one of the game’s great characters who pioneered the Blues’ “Cattledog” spirit — a reference to the infamous call he introduced into Origin folklore when it was used to spark some infamous all-in brawls.

“Tommy was one of a kind. There will never be another Tommy Raudonikis,’’ Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V’landys said.

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“Tommy was everything that makes rugby league the greatest game of all. He grew up in a migrant camp in Cowra and went on to become NSW’s first Origin captain.

“As a player there were none tougher. He was a brilliant halfback, what he lacked in stature he more than made up for in smarts and courage to become one of the best players of his era.”

Players, pundits fans and teams took to social media on Wednesday to pay tribute to a fine footballer and one of rugby league’s greatest ever characters.

V’landys also acknowledged Raudonikis’ contribution to promoting rugby league.

“Few did more to promote our game than Tommy, whether it was at a luncheon on television or radio, Tommy was always there to talk up the game he loved. He made people laugh as one of the game’s great larrikins and epitomised the passion and tribalism that is unique to rugby league.”

“On behalf of the entire rugby league community, I send my deepest condolences to Tommy’s family and friends.”