The pair of NSW State of Origin greats were recognised for their contribution to the sky blue jumper at a dinner at Sydney’s Star Casino on Monday.

Raudonikis, who served as the Blues’s inaugural captain in 1980, is fighting cancer and was unable to attend because of his ailing health. Canterbury great Mortimer was recognised after leading the Blues to their first series win in 1985.

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“I played against Tommy Raudonikis and he was one of the toughest ever halfbacks to lace on a boot,” NSWRL chairman George Peponis said.

“I also played alongside Steve Mortimer and have many happy memories of our time together.

“Both players epitomise the qualities, values and characteristics of NSW players and they are worthy inductees.”

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Mortimer played 272 games for the Bulldogs from 1976-88 during the club’s halcyon days, captaining them to the 1984 and 1985 premierships and playing in the club’s 1980 and 1988 grand final wins.

He also earned nine Test and eight Origin caps.

Raudonikis played 239 club games for Western Suburbs and Newtown, one Origin and 29 Tests before embarking on a coaching career which included overseeing NSW in 1997-98.