Inaugural NSW State of Origin captain Tommy Raudonikis has revealed he has throat cancer.

One of Origin’s most famous characters said he received the confronting diagnosis on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old played 24 games for NSW, and in the first State of Origin game in 1980.

Raudonikis also coached the Blues in 1997 and 98, going down in interstate folklore for the “Cattledog” call he initiated, which was the signal for NSW to break from a scrum with fists flying.

During Origin I at Suncorp Stadium, Raudonikis was specially recognised on the field as part of the concept’s 100th game celebrations.

Raudonikis enjoyed a distinguished career for Western Suburbs and Newtown, before coaching the Magpies in the 1990s up until they merged with the Wests Tigers.

As well as going down as one of the game’s best halfbacks and one of the toughest players of his generation, Raudonikis is known for his larrakin sense of humour and his love of a beer and a cigarette.

Raudonikis would famously light up in the coaching box.