WENDELL HUSSEY | Cadet | CONTACT
As the nation mourns the passing of Rugby League’s greatest character, NRL officials have confirmed that Tommy Raudonikis will receive a State Funeral this weekend.
However, rather than receive a service in the city as politicians and ‘culturally important people’ like Carla Zampatti do, Tommy Terrific will instead be honoured with a full house a Leichhardt oval for a sun-drenched, afternoon of Rugby League.
As part of the service, Wests Tigers will retire the number 7 jersey for all of their games on Sunday, as well as a moment’s silence and special dedicatory videos and tributes.
Supporters are also being encouraged to stand for a special minute of applause in the 7th minute to honour the Wests, Jets, NSW and Australian halfback.
Wests Tigers next game at Campbelltown will further honour Tommy and be celebrated as ‘Tommy Raudonikis Memorial Round.’
The working class hero responsible for creating so much of the folklore around the game of Rugby League will also be honoured by close to 100,000 different stories around the grounds and Leichhardt and Balmain Pubs.
NRL boss Peter V’Landys has reportedly also given the boys the nod to throw hands without fear of consequences in what could be a touching tribute to one of the great scrappers.
More to come.
