Royce Simmons

Royce Simmons (born 2 May 1960 in Gooloogong, New South Wales) is an Australian professional rugby league football coach, former player and most recently a former head coach of St. Helens in the European Super League. A former test hooker, New South Wales representative and long-serving Penrith Panthers player in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership, he later became coach of the club after his retirement.

On 25 June 2016, Simmons was inducted into the Penrith Panthers hall of fame alongside Grahame Moran, Greg Alexander and Craig Gower.

After trialling 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 whene made his Test début in the first test against New Zealand at Carlaw Park in Auckland, and played in ten international games over the next year. Simmons' final test appearance came in Australia at Lang Park against New Zealand, losing 6–13.