Other groups he greets with “Boys! How yas goin?” or a “hello darlin”. They love him and he loves them. If Wally owns the Cauldron, then Lidcombe Oval certainly worships Tommy Terrific.

Raudonikis won the Rothman’s Medal in 1972. He also coached the Blues in 1997 and 1998. His love of the modern game remains, but he wishes the sport’s authorities would ease up on the constant rule changes. “As long as they … we don’t need any more changes,” he offers. “Leave the game as it is. I think it’s getting too soft. I’m happy with the way it is, but no more changes.”

(Image via YouTube)

In his playing days Raudonikis, who stood at 170cm tall and tipped the scales at 73kg, was quick off the mark, could create scoring opportunities at will and had a deadly short kicking game. As mentioned in the YouTube video featured in this post. He was also a skilled defender who could bring down opponents of any size with his copybook tackles. He fondly recalls the Gladiators of his era while worshipping the hard men of today’s NRL.

“Probably Arthur Beetson and Terry Randall … they were tough, hard bastards, yeah. I’ll tell you who I do like from the modern game, that bloke at the Wests Tigers, the front rower who came over from St George, Russell Packer.”

Before too long we thank Tommy for his time and let him get back to his adoring fans and former team-mates. There are no doubt a lot of tales and lies from yesteryear to be told before the day’s out … In the meantime, you know what would look good out the front of those famous Lidcombe Oval gates? There’d be more than enough space. It’s only fair … Wally has one!

Deep in the heart of Lidcombe. (Photo by James Smith)