Royce Michael Simmons OAM (born 2 May 1959)[note 1] 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.
In June 2016, Simmons was inducted into the Penrith Panthers Hall of Fame alongside Grahame Moran, Greg Alexander and Craig Gower.
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.
His last appearance in a New South Wales jersey was in game I of the 1988 series at the Sydney Football Stadium, with NSW losing 18–26.
He also stated that despite being overjoyed at finally winning a premiership, nothing could erase the bad memory of losing the 1990 decider to the Raiders.
[7][8] Following the grand final victory he travelled with the Panthers to England for the 1991 World Club Challenge which was lost to Wigan.
[14] He coached the St Helens in the 2011 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.