Tommy Raudonikis dies: Rugby league legend loses long cancer battle
From Phil Gould to Laurie Daley, NRL legends have come out in droves to share their Tommy Raudonikis stories – including the origin story of the famous Cattledog call.
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The rugby league community is mourning the loss of one of its great characters with the passing of Tommy Raudonikis.
Some of the league’s biggest names pay tribute to Raudonikis as they recollect some of their fondest memories of the iconic figure.
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DEAN RITCHIE
The legend was born inside the Coogee Bay Hotel’s front bar where league larrikin Tommy Raudonikis was smoking his preferred Camel cigarettes and downing VB schooners.
“He had the breath of 40 Alsatians,” joked former player Mark ‘Spud’ Carroll.
Raudonikis was coaching the 1997 NSW State of Origin side — which was housed in the nearby Crowne Plaza — and would walk the 200m down Arden Street to the pub each day.
One of the Blues players, Jim Dymock, had been ruled out injured but was fascinated with Raudonikis’ tales from the past. The pair would sit for hours, Raudonikis reminiscing, Dymock, listening.
PODCAST: Buzz, Mick and Mobbsy pay tribute to the late, great Tommy Raudonikis, celebrate Jake Friend’s career, try to fix the Bulldogs and Buzz vows to critique Mick’s radio credentials ... and of course, towards the end of this episode, everyone’s favourite segment - thursday night food orders.
And it was here where Raudonikis’ famed war cry — Cattledog — first started.
The plan was simple — when Raudonikis sent out the ‘Cattledog’ call during game three at the old Sydney Football Stadium, NSW players were ordered to trigger an all-in brawl. Carroll was the first to yell Cattledog with Manly legend Steve Menzies wanting to avoid any fighting.
Cattledog became folklore for Raudonikis, who died at 7.20am at a Gold Coast Hospital on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He has been readmitted to hospital last week. He died with partner Trish Brown by his side just six days short of his 71st birthday.
JIM DYMOCK
“When we were in camp, we’d get on the drink for the first three days but Tommy had kept drinking after that,” Dymock remembered on Wednesday.
“I had nothing to do because I was out injured so I would go down to the Coogee Bay and there’s Tommy on the piss and bungers and having a punt. I would sit down and have a yarn. I loved listening to all his old stories.
“He had been in so many fights during games and I used to ask how he went. He would say: “I wasn’t that good a fighter but once I got them on the ground I latched on like a Cattledog and wouldn’t let go. Tommy would get that blind I’d have to take him up to his room.
“We had a team meeting a few days and he said we’re going to pack a scrum and it’s going to be ‘on’ – just give it to them, set the tone of the game. He asked: “What are we going to call it?
“I was sitting in the back and put my hand up. Call it Cattledog, Tommy. The rest is history.”
MARK CARROLL
“At the first meeting that week, Tommy said when he called Cattledog, it was all-in,” Carroll recalled on Wednesday.
“Joey Johns said: “You can’t call it Spud.” I said: ‘Piss off, Joey, it’s on.” In game three, one of our trainers ran out — I think his name was Mark, he was a friend of Tommy — and yelled “Cattledog.”
“When I got the scrum, I told ‘Chief’ (fellow NSW prop Paul Harragon) I’ve got this. Joey was hooker and I told him to bind loose and not to hold my shoulder but hold me around the arse.
“To this day it was still the straightest punch I’ve thrown. (Maroons prop) Craig Smith had just come and he didn’t play another minute. It was on everywhere from the scrum. Tommy got me in a headlock and said: “I love you Spud, you did the Cattledog for me. ‘Beaver’ (Menzies) was in the second row. He would have shat himself.
“I’ve been retired now for 22 years and before every Origin game I would ring Tommy and say ‘Cattledog’. He would say” I love you Spud.”
STEVE MENZIES
“I’m not a fighter, I can’t fight. Tommy had this plan which was you had to punch the closest Queenslander,” Menzies said on Wednesday. “The call came out and Spud’s eyes were rolling and as we walked to the scrum. He said: “How good is this?”
“I was thinking: “Ah, shit, what’s going to happen here.” I was just trying to find the first person I could grab and hold, stop them punching someone else.
“Tommy was an amazing character. Stories about him will be told for many years to come. They don’t make ‘em like Tommy anymore. He has so much love and passion for the game.”
PHIL GOULD
Gus Gould played alongside Raudonikis in the 1981 grand final against Parramatta. Raudonikis scored a famous try but his Jets lost 2011.
“Tom was one of a kind. There will never be another like him. He came through a very tough and violent period in rugby league, during the 60’s and 70’s. To say he was very much at home during this era, would be a massive understatement,” Gould remembered on Wednesday.
“Tommy was a talented half back. He was a fierce competitor, who never took a backward step. He feared no one. Newtown benefactor John Singleton bought Tommy to the Newtown Jets “To teach everyone how to win”.
“Well, Tommy did that, and so much more. Tommy was someone you never wanted to let down. If he asked you to do something, or told you to do something, you just did it, without question. He built boys into men. He built confidence and self-belief into his teammates.
Everyone who knew Tommy, loved him. More importantly, Tommy made everyone he met, feel loved. It didn’t matter if it was a punter in the pub wanting two minutes of Tommy’s time, or the Prime Minister of Australia. Tommy treated them all just the same. He never forgot anyone. He made everyone around the club, and I mean everyone, feel special. He made you feel as though he was your mate.
“So many people will be saddened by the news of his passing. We will all have our own special memories of being with Tommy. That’s what he gave to everyone he met. A special memory.”
LES BOYD
Boyd and Raudonikis were teammates during the infamous and brawling Fibros-Silvertails games between Manly and Wests during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Raudonikis would lead an extraordinary pre-game ritual where — to ensure his side was aggressive — Magpies players would slap each other’s faces and fight inside the Lidcombe Oval dressing rooms. Boyd and Raudonikis lived together in Blacktown in 1978.
“Tommy was always extremely intense in the dressing sheds,” Boyd said on Wednesday. “He would walk around geeing-up players, telling players they couldn’t show any fear, get stuck in and how we had to beat these bastards.
“He was an unbelievably competitive little bloke. Tommy wasn’t the most skilful player I ever played with but I don’t believe I played with a more courageous or passionate person. What he lacked in skill, he made up for in heart and desire. His will to win was something you don’t see in people all the time.
“The pre-game face slapping, Tommy really embraced that. It was Tommy all over. But not only was he a tough little bugger but he was a really good and caring person too. Tommy genuinely cared about people.
“It’s amazing, over the last 10 to 15 years, every time I’d see Tommy and I left, he would tell me that he loved me. He’d say: ‘I love you, Les.’ That’s pretty hard for a tough man to say to a bloke. He was a man’s man but wasn’t too scared to show his emotions. Tommy wore his heart on his sleeve.”
STEVE MORTIMER
Mortimer was picked ahead of Raudonikis for game three of the 1977 interstate series in Brisbane. A 20-year-old Mortimer was first into his hotel room ahead of roommate Raudonikis.
The cheeky young Mortimer spread his clothes across the big double, leaving Raudonikis with the single bed. Mortimer had left the room when Raudonikis checked in.
“When I got back my clothes were all out the window,” Mortimer recalled on Wednesday. “And all his clothes were spread across the big double bed. For the next three days I slept in the single bed.
“He used to try and belt the shit out of me but after the game, we would sit down and we’ve always been good friends.”
PAUL LANGMACK
Langmack was Wests captain when Raudonikis was coach during the mid to late 1990s.
“You never wanted to let Tommy down,” Langmack said. “He was a coach you’d kill for, you’d die for him. Tommy was such a loveable character. He wanted you to play with spirit and determination, the way he played.
“We were in a 20-team comp (in 1996) and were expected to run last. We made the finals. I couldn’t wait to get to training every night. You just wanted to be with the bloke.
“I was 30 at the time and felt like I was 19 because of Tommy. He put enthusiasm into your life. “Everyone loved him, he put a smile on your face.”
LAURIE DALEY
Daley led NSW while Raudonikis was NSW coach in 1998 and 1999.
“Tommy was always someone you admired growing up watching. I got the pleasure to play under him (for NSW) — what a wonderful character and a great man,” Daley said.
“His family will miss him, the game will miss him, the rugby league community will miss him. His memory and legacy will live forever. It is a great loss which will sadden so many people. The world will be a poorer place for his loss.”
RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND LOSES LONG CANCER BATTLE
Rugby league great Tommy Raudonikis has died.
Raudonikis, 70, endured a long battle with cancer.
One of rugby league’s great characters, Raudonikis played 24 matches for NSW and 29 Tests for Australia.
“The club is in deep mourning,” Wests Ashfield CEO Simon Cook said.
“He will always be a legend of the Magpies.”
Raudonikis was a champion Wests and Newtown halfback, playing for the Jets in the 1981 grand final.
He had fought testicular cancer after suffering a quadruple heart surgery. Raudonikis was then diagnosed with throat cancer.
Wests Tigers and the NRL will release a statement about Raudonikis’s death this morning.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison offered his condolences to the Raudonikis family.
■ IN PICTURES: The life of Tommy Raudonikis
“I’d just note in passing, condolences to the family of Tommy Raudonikis – a well loved Australian and individual,” the Prime Minister said.
“All of those who love their rugby league will certainly know about Tommy Raudonikis – he was one of game’s biggest characters and will be sadly missed in the rugby league family and sincere condolences to his family and to the rugby league family as well.”
VALE Tommy Raudonikis ðŸ´ðŸ³ Magpie #655@westsmagpies are saddened to learn of the passing of much loved Magpie Tommy Raudonikis
— Wests Magpies (@westsmagpies) April 6, 2021
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
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
The Newtown Jets are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former grand final captain Tommy Raudonikis.
— Newtown Jets (@newtownrlfc) April 6, 2021
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/YO0f49JbdN
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
Tommy Raudonikis. What a legend. Rugby League has continually lived off his character and passion for decades after he stepped away from playing and then coaching. He was “Rugba leeg†through and through. Will be sorely missed, even by QLDers. Condolences to family #RIPTommy
— Michael Atkinson (@kinson88) April 6, 2021
Absolute giant of the game Tommy Raudonikis... Tough as nails... RIP #Cattledog#NRL
— Woodsy (@beergutpunter) April 6, 2021
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also paid tribute to the Wests, Newtown and Blues icon:
“I think for the NRL community and the broader sporting community, and for us all, it is a huge loss. He was a sporting legend, very patriotic about the great state of New South Wales and will be sorely missed.
“I think much of his career really demonstrated and epitomised why Rugby League is so popular in New South Wales and I wish to extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Vale #tommyraudonikis . A great player, bloke and drawing subject. I hope saint peter is ready for some face slapping. @telegraph_sport#nrl@BuzzRothfield#cattledog@dailytelegraphpic.twitter.com/N5NbaVOoOr
— Scott Bailey (@BooBaileyTele) April 7, 2021
WESTS TIGERS MOURN LOSS OF ‘ICON’
“There are few icons in the history of rugby league that will stand as tall as Tommy Raudonikis,” Wests Tigers chair Lee 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.”
THE DAY SINGO TRIED TO BREAK TOMMY OUT OF HOSPITAL
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said: “Tommy is certainly an inspirational part of our club’s history and someone with whom I greatly appreciated spending time with
“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 whom I be deeply remembered and missed by everyone associated with Wests Tigers.”
JETS: ‘SAD AS THE DAY WE WERE CUT FROM COMP’
Newtown benefactor Terry Rowney described the loss of Raudonikis as devastating as the day famous the club was ejected from the competition in 1983.
Rowney, credited with keeping the Newtown RLFC alive since the old foundation club last played in first grade rugby league in 1983, fought back tears when explaining the impact of Raudonikis.
“We didn’t know how to win when he arrived (in 1980) — he taught us how to never give up,’’ Rowney said.
“How such a little man could have such a dramatic impact on so many people is what no one will ever understand.
“He helped people, he didn’t even know he helped.
“It’s such a devastating day. I would say it’s as significant and as sad as the day we were cut from the comp.
“It’s a bit like your parents, you think they’ll always be there.
“I feel so sorry for Singo (John Singleton) and Murph (Col Murphy), they like us all, will be devastated.
“I’m just so sad.”
V’LANDYS: ‘FEW DID MORE TO PROMOTE OUR GAME’
“Tommy was one of a kind. There will never be another Tommy Raudonikis,’’ ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.
“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.”
“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.”
FAREWELL TO ONE-OF-A-KIND TOMMY
The laughs, endless tales, misdemeanours, rollicking good times. Tommy, as always, was in good form, writes Dean Ritchie.
Tommy knew he should have been drinking low carb beer for his diabetes but rolled over pretty quickly.
The larrikin Tom Raudonikis and I had just left Marathon Stadium in Newcastle after a commentating stint with the 2GB Continuous Call rugby league team. I was the station’s sideline eye, Tommy a co-commentator alongside then head caller, Andrew Moore.
We went off air at 6pm on a Saturday and it was beer-a-clock for Tommy.
The trip home — I was dropping him to Chatswood train station — was a two-hour drive and Tommy had engineered a healthy thirst after six hours on air.
Tommy suffered from diabetes but desperately wanted a stubby of beer from a bottle shop located near the stadium in New Lambton.
As much as he wanted a full strength beer despite his diabetes, Tommy reluctantly adhered to his doctors’ wishes and opted for the safety of a sugar-free low carb beer.
I had my brother, Brett, in the back seat, sitting next to a mate, Drew Claydon, who shot in to buy a case of low-carb Hahn Super Dry.
When an ashen-faced Drew emerged to reveal they had run out, Tommy quickly dismissed medical opinion and defaulted to his old days: “Oh, get a case of VB. I won’t be having that many anyway.”
What followed over the next two hours was one of the funniest and most entertaining car journeys of my 52 years on this planet.
Despite his pledge to go easy on the booze, Tommy must have necked at least 10 beers as we belted down the then F3.
The laughs, endless tales, misdemeanours, rollicking good times. Tommy, as always, was in good form. He spoke about the on-field violence of his era and the fights he triggered.
There were stories about off field shenanigans, John ‘Dallas’ Donnelly, the Fibros, Silvertails, Lidcombe Oval, Graeme ‘Changa’ Langlands and former British halfback Steve Nash.
Asked why he once smacked Nash in the mouth at a scrum before the ball had even gone in, Tommy said: “He was a Pom — I hated him.”
As Manly great Steve Menzies said: “They don’t make ‘em like Tommy anymore.”
Tommy knew I was a journalist but had sufficient trust to tell stories that he and I both knew could have been page one stories.
If a player did today what Tommy and his cohorts did back in the 1970s, rugby league would be but a memory.
I enjoyed another night out with Tommy in Brisbane. I was staying in the CBD but he invited me out to his local hotel in Lutwyche, about 9kms from the city.
In his own local and his own element, Tommy was in high spirits again, regaling those who cared to listen about the good, bad and funny times which engulf daily rugby league. It was a fun, happy night with a guy you just couldn’t help but love.
As much as he held court, Tommy always sought the opinions of others. And he listened too. As his great mate Les Boyd said: “Tommy genuinely cared about people.”
Tommy never adhered to PC.
Only Tommy could get away with some of the stuff he said publicly. If others had uttered those same non-PC words, there would have been hell to pay.
Tommy will be remembered as a tough SOB. Pound for pound, there wasn’t a harder player in rugby league’s 113-year history.
He has now left us at age 70 — a true character, rogue, hero and loved member of what is a heartbroken rugby league family.
Tommy would often end sentences with: ‘And I really mean that …”
You will never be forgotten, Tom Terrific. And we really mean that.
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