Newtown paint No.7 on hill at Henson Park to honour Tommy Raudonikis
The Newtown Jets have painted a giant number 7 on the hill at Henson Park as they prepare for Saturday’s ‘Thank you Tommy’ game in memory of the great Tommy Raudonikis.
The Jets haven’t played at their home ground since August, 2019 but will return on Saturday to take on the Knights — and to also honour Raudonikis, a former Newtown captain.
Raudonikis passed away last week after a battle with cancer.
Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? > Get your 14-day free trial now & start streaming instantly >
He played 238 top grade games in his career with, 37 of those with Newtown, as well as representing NSW and Australia.
The popular No.7 was regarded one of the great characters of the game.
Mayor of the Inner West, Darcy Byrne revealed on Thursday that the Jets had painted Raudonikis’ No.7 on the hill at Henson Park ahead of Saturday’s match.
The Jets are expecting a huge crowd at their spiritual home to celebrate the life of Raudonikis.
MORE NRL NEWS
NEW ERA: The Sharks clean-out that has to happen — and who to splash cash on
BACK AGAIN: Karmichael Hunt set for stunning Broncos return
‘IS THIS MORE ACCEPTABLE?’: Panthers mock ‘arrogant’ claims in cheeky video
It will be the first time they’ve played at Henson Park since the final round of the 2019 NSW Cup season proper. The Jets went on to win the grand final and State Cup Championship that year before the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID.
There will be plenty of rugby league heritage to see with Zac Woolford, Bronson Garlick, Jack A Williams and Monty Raper all set to play for the Jets.
Woolford is the son of Canberra great, Simon and Garlick is the son of ex Rabbitohs and Roosters player, Sean. Meanwhile, Williams is the grandson of rugby league immortal, Reg Gasnier and Raper is the grandson of Dragons and Sharks icon Monty Porter.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Utility back Tyla Tamou will don the No.7 jersey in the absence of regular halfback Braydon Trindall, who has been named in the reserves for NRL this week.
If you’re planning on heading out for a great afternoon of footy at Henson Park, you can find all of the information you need here.