NRL 2022: Penrith Panthers legend Royce Simmons reveals dementia diagnosis

Panthers premiership winning skipper and Penrith icon Royce Simmons is fighting a serious health battle, revealing he is suffering from dementia.

Panthers legend Royce Simmons has revealed he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Picture: Daily Telegraph.

Penrith premiership hero Royce Simmons is battling dementia. The 61-year-old, who captained Penrith to their first title in 1991, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 61.

Fearing all was not well, Simmons met with a neurologist last June.

“The doctor said, ‘You told me you’d had a few concussions over the years; there are a couple of white marks which may have been from the concussions,’ and I’m thinking, ‘That’s good; just a couple of marks from concussions,” Simmons told Neil Cadigan on the Panthers‘ website.

“Then he pointed to another part of the brain and said, ‘Around here, that’s all Alzheimer’s’. It was like someone had knocked me off my feet. The rest of the appointment is just a blur; I was so shocked, even though in the back of my mind I was worried something might show up.”

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Panthers legend Royce Simmons has revealed he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Picture: Panthers Digital

Simmons starred for the Panthers, playing 237 top grade games for the club. He represented NSW and Australia before spending eight seasons as Penrith coach.

He understands people may draw a link between the concussions he suffered in his playing career with his dementia but said there was no evidence the two were linked.

Simmons said he broke down when he was told of the news.

“I walked through the door, looked at (wife) Liane and just sort of lost it,” Simmons said.

“But, just like I thought she’d be, Liane has been really strong and really supportive. She’s been wonderful, keeping me in check with my routine without ever being over the top.

“I told our kids next, which was hard obviously. That’s a big thing for me. I’m more worried about the people who look after me. I don’t want Liane wasting ten to fifteen years of her life because of my condition, or the kids coming to see me and feeling down because of what I’m like.”

He takes medication daily and the man who etched himself in folklore by promising a beer with every Penrith fan after the 1991 success has reduced his alcohol intake. Simmons remains an ambassador at the Panthers.

Simmons suffered several concussions throughout his career, but says it’s not linked to his diagnosis.

He is planning a fundraising walk from his hometown of Gooloogong to Penrith in May to coincide with the Panthers clash against North Queensland.

The near 300 kilometre walk should take 10 days.

“Walking is really good for me and if I could get some people who have been successful in life to do different legs with me and share stories, it will help even more,” Simmons said.

“And if we can get sponsorship support and do some talking gigs along the route, it could help raise money for junior footy and dementia research and that’s even more important to me.”