Raudonikisâs NSW side was losing 13-2 when he came off the bench in a match against Queensland in 1977, three years before the birth of State of Origin. Figuring his teammates needed something â anything â to inspire them, Raudonikis launched into a Maroons player who was receiving treatment for an injury near the sideline.
He went on to score a crucial second-half try and NSW won the match 14-13. The Tommy Paradox â a devil on the field and an angel off it.
Perhaps there has never been a figure so universally loved by a game that thrives on hate. And itâs not just rugby league fans who adored Raudonikis. Well-known by supporters of other codes for his gravelly voice and legendary storytelling, Raudonikis transcended rugby league and was a hugely popular media figure post his playing career.
Remembering the 1986 Kangaroos A Set the default text size A Set large text size
Replay A Set the default text size A Set large text size
A few days ago, as I was aimlessly flicking TV channels, I came across a replay of the first Test of the 1986 ‘Unbeatables’ Kangaroo tour.
I was sucked in and enthralled. After 80 minutes that flew by, I left in a much better mood than I arrived.
Thirty-five years ago, the once every four years Kangaroo tour of Great Britain was an important part of the rugby league landscape and the pinnacle experience for our representative players.