Royce Michael Simmons (born 2 May 1960) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. A one-club man, he played as a for the Penrith Panthers in the 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. Playing career 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 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. Simmons' final Test appearance came in Australia at Lang Park, Brisbane, against New Zealand, losing 6–13. At the end of the 1986 NSWRL season, Simmons was selected for the undefeated 1986 Kangaroo tour and played in all six tests on the tour against Papua New Guinea, Great Britain and France. Simmons and Greg Alexander became the first Penrith players to be selected for a Kangaroo Tour. Simmons was selected for all games of the 1987 State of Origin series, including the fourth game held at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California (United States). 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. The Blues would not win another game until Game 1 of the 1990 series. In 1983, Simmons was appointed captain of the team, a position he