Raudonikis was born in Cowra but moved to Wagga when he was young to join the airforce.

He lived in the city for two-and-a-half years and was playing for Wagga Kangaroos when he was re-posted to Sydney on the recommendation of former Australian captain Arthur Summons.

Raudonikis made his debut for Western Suburbs in 1969 and went on to play for 10 years and 204 games at the club, before switching to Newtown in 1980 and finishing his career there.

He also represented NSW on 22 occasions and played 20 tests for Australia, and was the premier Australian halfback during the 1970s.

Raudonikis was in Wagga yesterday to act as a guest speaker at the Sportsmans Lunch at the Kooringal Hotel, and spoke of his affection for the city.

"I've been back here guest speaking a few times, but I feel like I'm part of the town because it gave me a bit of a start with my footy," Raudonikis told The Daily Advertiser yesterday.

"They're good people here and I enjoy coming back every time I do."

“It was a good upbringing, and it brings back good memories.”

Raudonikis was invited to speak at the lunch along with former Hawthorn champion John Platten.

The pair spoke to the crowd about today’s AFL grand final and tomorrow’s NRL grand final, as well as filling them in on the highlights of their respective careers.

Raudonikis yesterday backed the Warriors to spring a surprise win over premiership favourite Manly tomorrow.

“Warriors have been flying under the radar for so long and I think they’ve caught a lot of blokes napping,” he said.

“There’s not going to be much in the game.

“It’ll be a forwards game, and they have both got great backs.

“But the game’s going to be won in the forwards I believe.”

Raudonikis flew in and out of Wagga yesterday afternoon and is planning to attend a Kangaroos reunion today, before sitting down to watch tomorrow’s decider.