Episode 532: Royce Simmons - Panthers legend still charging up the middle raising funds for dementia research

Our regular podcast has catered principally for racing fans since its introduction seven years ago. This week we break the mould by presenting an interview with Royce Simmons OAM who reached dizzy heights in his footballing career as both player and coach. From the time of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2022, Royce hasn’t left a stone unturned in keeping himself fit enough to pursue every avenue in raising money for dementia research. His results have been inspiring. The celebrated hooker played in 238 games for Penrith between 1980-1991, ten  for the NSW Blues and another ten in the green and gold of Australia. Every time I run into Royce at a sporting function I’m reminded of the fact that he should be a guest on our podcast. I issued an invitation at a recent Panthers charity luncheon and he graciously accepted.  Royce talks about his current state of health and the success of the “Royce’s Big Walk” initiative which has raised thousands of dollars for dementia research. He talks about his recent hosting role at a Saturday afternoon Panthers initiative called “Royce’s Race Day”. Members and guests got to enjoy the best in food and drinks, good fellowship and the opportunity to chat with one of Penrith’s favourite sons.  Royce talks of his love of a dabble but doesn’t rate himself as a successful punter. The Penrith Hall Of Famer talks of early life in the Lachlan Valley township of Canowindra where he developed a liking for the Rugby Union code. Royce talks of his hard working parents and his siblings - two sisters and one brother. He reflects on a move to nearby Gooloogong when his father George purchased the local butcher shop. He brings up the subject of Cocky Raider, a champion pacer of the late 60’s and early 70’s who was trained in the town by Jack McWilliam. Royce was just ten or eleven years of age but hasn’t forgotten the impact Cocky Raider had on the 500 residents of Gooloogong.  Royce looks back on his subsequent move to the big smoke and trial games for St George and South Sydney.  He hasn’t forgotten an unexpected approach from the Penrith Club generated by a recommendation from Parramatta star Barry Rushworth. To make it all come together Royce had to play two trial games in twenty four hours. Many have forgotten that Simmons played lock forward in his first year with Penrith.  The former champion hooker talks of the radical changes in the scrum feed. He looks back on his unforgettable debut for the NSW Blues in 1984.  Royce says he lost the job to Benny Elias in 1985, but returned the following year to get “Man Of The Match” in Game 1. His form in the 1986 State Of Origin series earned him a spot in the Kangaroo squad to play three tests against NZ. He was the first Penrith product to play for Australia. Later in 1986 Royce toured with the Kangaroo side in a six test series against Papua New Guinea, Great Britain and France. He didn’t get a break that year. Royce talks about his seven years as captain of the Penrith side, a role he took very seriously. He looks back on Penrith’s clash with a very strong Canberra side in the Winfield Cup Grand Final of 1990.  Perhaps Royce Simmons is best remembered for his two try contribution to Penrith’s first ever premiership win in 1991. It was his final appearance as a player, and one he’ll never forget. Royce takes us through the circumstances under which his “double” eventuated. The OAM inductee takes us through his coaching days which began with the St Mary’s first grade side but soon escalated to loftier heights. On returning to Australia Royce was invited to take over the role of Panthers coach from the departing Phil Gould. Royce looks back on seven happy years as assistant coach of the Wests Tigers under the leadership of Tim Sheens. The former Penrith legend was gobsmacked when an offer came for him to coach the famous St Helen’s Club in England. It didn’t work out quite as well as Royce had hoped. He pays tribute to his wonderful family - wife Liane, children Kirk, Britt, Carly and Demi and special mention of seven grandchildren. Royce acknowledges the administrative talents of Brian Fletcher who recently announced impending retirement from his role as Panthers Group CEO.  I’ve never forgotten the Network Ten coverage of the 1991 Winfield Cup Grand Final. It was Penrith’s first premiership, and an unforgettable swansong for one of the club’s greatest sons. Royce Simmons remembers the greatest day of his playing career on this week’s podcast.