Battlers’ champion Tommy Raudonikis farewelled by former league greats and adoring fans at public memorial at the SCG
- Rugby league great Tommy Raudonikis died of cancer on April 7
- A private funeral for friends and family was held last Friday
- The public memorial gave fans a chance to farewell larger-than-life star
- The memorial was attended by many former Tigers greats
Rugby league fans and former greats have come together to farewell Tommy Raudonikis at a public memorial at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Following last Friday’s private funeral service, Monday’s gathering was a chance for the many fans and friends of Tommy to give a send-off to league’s blue-collar hero.
Along with many fans, the memorial brought out former greats from Western Suburbs and merger partner Balmain, such as Garry Jack, Steve Roach, Benny Elias and Paul Sironen.
The stands at the SCG filled in the lead-up to the service in perfect weather at the SCG.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys attended, along with former NRL chief David Gallop.
‘He was the people’s champion who reached the pinnacle of our game,’ Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said.
Former Tigers greats Paul Sironen, Benny Elias and Gary Jack were among those attending the memorial
Another Tiger great, Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach turned out to pay his respects.
Fans queued up outside the SCG for the chance to farewell the popular league great.
‘It’s fitting the rugby league community will come together on Monday to pay tribute to one of the most popular players in the game’s history.’
The former Australia, New South Wales and Western Suburbs great was popular with all fans for this knockabout down-to-earth nature.
Raudonikis was farewelled on Friday at a private funeral for family and friends on the Gold Coast.
Fellow league luminaries Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer and Wally Lewis, and swimming icon Dawn Fraser, were among the mourners at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church service at Clear Island Waters.
The 70-year-old lost his long battle with cancer on April 7, prompting an outpouring of grief in the rugby league community.
Fans from all clubs turned out to pay their respects, with this Raiders fan getting plenty of attention.
He played 201 first-grade games for the Magpies across 11 seasons, nine of them as club captain, before joining Newtown in 1980, playing 37 games over three seasons – including the 1981 grand final as captain.
Tigers great Wayne Pearce laughs as he chats with others at the public memorial service.
A tough halfback, Raudonikis represented NSW on 24 occasions and played 29 times for Australia in Tests and World Cup matches – twice as captain.
His coaching career featured two years in charge of the NSW State of Origin team.
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