Led by Raudonikis and the likes of Graeme O'Grady, Les Boyd, John Donnelly the Magpies enjoyed several finals appearances in the late 70's, including winning the 1977 Amco Cup and the Minor Premiership in 1978.

Raudonikis epitomised the "Fibros versus Silvertails" rivalry with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles stoked by Western Suburbs coach Roy Masters.

Along with fellow Magpies Graeme O'Grady and Steve Blythe, Raudonikis moved from Western Suburbs to the Newtown Jets, playing 37 games in three seasons between 1980 and 1982.

[8] Raudonikis was first selected in an Australian squad in 1971 behind Souths halfback Bob Grant and made his run on debut in 1972 against the Kiwis (the same year he won the Rothmans Medal for best club player for the season).

In those series he entered State of Origin folklore when he introduced the "cattle dog" call to which NSW players responded by breaking from the scrum with fists flying, resulting in two infamous all-in-brawls.

Determination and toughness marked his 20 Tests for Australia and his long career with Wests and Newtown and followed him to coaching in Brisbane and Sydney."

[12][13] Also in 2008 the Western Suburbs Magpies celebrated their centenary by inducting six inaugural members, including Raudonikis, into the club's Hall of Fame.

In April 2013, Raudonikis's 15-year-old grandson died at a Coffs Harbour hospital following a head knock that occurred during a junior rugby league match.

[17] Raudonikis' hospitalisation in August 2006 for a heart bypass operation received national coverage and drew messages of support from a spectrum of famous former players including Wests icon Arthur Summons (the subject of the NRL trophy with Norm Provan).