About Royce Simmons
Royce Michael Simmons (born 2 May 1959) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. A one-club man, he played as a hooker for the Penrith Panthers in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) from 1980 to 1991, winning a premiership in his final season. He later coached the Panthers from 1994 to 2001, in between coaching English sides Hull F.C. (1992–94) and St Helens (2011–12). Born in Gooloogong, New South Wales, Simmons was a representative of his home state. He made ten appearances for Australia during 1986–87. In June 2016, Simmons was inducted into the Penrith Panthers Hall of Fame alongside Grahame Moran, Greg Alexander and Craig Gower. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. == Playing career == After trialing with both St George and Souths, Simmons was eventually given a contract in 1980 with Penrith. Simmons played much of his first year at lock but was moved to hooker late in the 1981 season. Simmons was first selected to represent New South Wales as a hooker for games II and III of the 1984 State of Origin series, replacing Rex Wright who had been chosen for game I. After missing the 1985 series when selectors chose Balmain's Benny Elias instead, Simmons regained his place for the Blues in the successful 1986 series against Queensland, including a Man of the Match in game I. Simmons secured a place as the first Penrith player to represent Australia when made his Test debut in the first match against New Zealand at Carlaw Park in Auckland, and played in ten international games over the next year.
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