In a moment that has sent waves of excitement through Western Sydney and the wider NRL community, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has officially confirmed that club legend Royce Simmons is returning to the organisation โ this time in a senior coaching capacity.
The announcement was made earlier today at the Panthersโ training headquarters, where Cleary described Simmonsโ return as โa massive boost for our club culture and our future.โ
> โRoyce embodies everything this club stands for โ toughness, loyalty, and community,โ Cleary said. โHaving him back in a senior coaching role strengthens who we are on and off the field.โ
Simmons, a premiership-winning Panther and one of the most respected figures in the clubโs history, enjoyed a decorated playing career with Penrith before moving into coaching. His deep ties to the region and passion for developing young talent made him a natural fit for the newly created senior advisory role within the football department.
Club officials confirmed Simmons will focus on mentoring emerging players, strengthening pathways programs, and supporting leadership development across all grades.
The return has sparked an outpouring of support from fans across the Valley, many of whom view Simmons as one of the spiritual heartbeats of the club. Social media was flooded with celebratory messages within minutes of the announcement.
For a club already enjoying sustained success in the National Rugby League, the addition of a figure like Simmons is being seen as a powerful move to reinforce the Panthersโ winning culture while honouring their proud history.
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