Tommy Raudonikis’s spirit lives on in rugby league following his death at age 70

Tommy Raudonikis was the ultimate personification of a bygone rugby league era, but his blood continues to beat through the heart of the sport today.

Raudonikis’s death at age 70 from cancer on Wednesday saddened the sport, with Wayne Bennett declaring, “they don’t make them like Tommy anymore”.

Known for his “cattle dog” catchcry that brought passion back to State of Origin during and immediately after the Super League war, Raudonikis was one of rugby league’s greatest characters.

Word of Raudonikis’s ill health had spread around rugby league circles earlier this week.

Bennett and Raudonikis had their first tours together for Australia in 1971. Bennett was a 21-year-old policeman and Raudonikis already one of the game’s great characters.