░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G ░B░R░E░A░ 🅱🆁🅴🅰🅺 The Executive Phil Gould Made public announcement On the Rumors regarding the Return of former legend Royce Simmons as a co-owner…

In a week that’s already been packed with NRL drama—from contract sagas to finals fever—Penrith Panthers supremo Phil Gould has stepped into the spotlight to douse speculation that’s been bubbling under the surface like a poorly officiated bunker review. The topic? The potential return of club legend Royce Simmons, not as a player or coach, but as a co-owner in the Panthers’ ownership structure. Gould’s candid public announcement on Sunday evening has fans divided: Is this a masterstroke of nostalgia-driven business, or just another layer of intrigue in the club’s storied history?

For the uninitiated, Simmons isn’t just any name in Panthers lore—he’s etched into the club’s DNA. Born in Gunnedah, New South Wales, in 1959, Royce “Bazza” Simmons exploded onto the rugby league scene as a hard-nosed hooker for the Panthers from 1980 to 1991. A one-club man through and through, he racked up over 200 games, represented New South Wales in State of Origin (including a Man of the Match performance in 1986), and even donned the green and gold for Australia on 10 occasions. But it’s his role in the 1991 Grand Final that cements his immortality: Simmons scored two tries in a 14-12 upset victory over the Brisbane Broncos, clinching Penrith’s first-ever premiership under the coaching of none other than Phil Gould himself. That iconic sideline conversion by Tim Alexander? It was Simmons’ grit that set the stage.

Post-retirement, Simmons didn’t stray far from the Panthers’ orbit. He stepped up as coach in 1994 after Gould’s abrupt dismissal, steering the side through a rocky seven-year tenure that included the ignominy of the 2001 wooden spoon. Sacked amid fan frustration, Simmons transitioned into commentary and community work, earning an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2013 for his services to rugby league and the community. At 66, he’s long been a beloved figure in Penrith, often spotted at club events, mentoring young talents, and reminding everyone of the “Panther spirit” that defined the early ’90s dynasty.

So, where do the rumors fit in? Whispers of Simmons’ involvement in the club’s ownership began circulating in late November, fueled by a leaked board meeting agenda and cryptic social media posts from former teammates. The Panthers, under the Mary Vitanza-led consortium that took majority control in 2019, have been navigating financial headwinds post-COVID, including stadium upgrades at BlueBet Stadium and youth academy investments. Enter the speculation: Could Simmons, with his deep pockets from post-footy ventures in property and mining, join as a minority co-owner? Sources close to the club (who spoke on condition of anonymity because, well, NRL gossip is a contact sport) suggested a deal could inject fresh capital while honoring the club’s heritage—perhaps even renaming a training facility in his honor.

Gould, now serving as the Panthers’ General Manager of Football and a vocal media presence on Channel 9’s *The Sunday Footy Show*, didn’t mince words in his announcement. “Look, Royce is family,” Gould said during a post-match panel discussion following Penrith’s gritty 24-18 win over the Cronulla Sharks. “These rumors? They’re like those old ’90s fax machines—fuzzy, unreliable, and full of static. Royce and I have chewed the fat over coffee a dozen times this year, but ownership? That’s not on the table right now. The board’s focused on stability, not sentimentality. If Royce wants to throw his hat in for a director’s seat one day, we’d welcome the conversation. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves— we’ve got a grand final to chase, not a time machine to rewind.”

The timing of Gould’s statement couldn’t be more poignant. It’s been 34 years since that 1991 triumph, and with Penrith gunning for a fourth straight premiership in 2025 (they’re currently perched atop the ladder after 24 rounds), the ghosts of past glories are hovering large. Simmons himself hasn’t commented publicly, but a recent Instagram post showing him at Panthers HQ with a throwback ’91 jersey sparked a frenzy—over 5,000 likes and comments ranging from “Bazza for Boss!” to “Don’t mess with the legacy, Gus!”

Fan reactions have been as polarized as a spiteful scrum. On forums like Reddit’s r/nrl, supporters hailed it as a “full-circle moment,” with one user posting, “Gould and Simmons built the blueprint—imagine them owning it now. Panthers forever!” Detractors, however, see it as a distraction. “Gould’s got enough on his plate with recruitment and that endless Origin podcast,” quipped another. “Royce deserves his retirement beers, not boardroom battles.”

From a business angle, the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. NRL clubs have increasingly turned to high-profile alumni for investment—think Wayne Bennett’s influence at the Dolphins or the Roosters’ ongoing ties with legends like Brad Fittler. The Panthers’ ownership model, which blends corporate sponsors with passionate locals, could benefit from Simmons’ local clout. His estimated net worth, hovering around the $10-15 million mark from savvy investments, would provide a welcome buffer against rising player salaries (hello, Nathan Cleary’s mega-deal).

Yet Gould’s intervention feels like classic “Gus”—the man who’s coached NSW to six series wins, built dynasties at both Penrith and Canterbury, and never shied from a microphone. His history with Simmons is a rollercoaster: mentor and mentee, coach and successor, friends through the highs of ’91 and lows of the early 2000s. Dismissing the rumors outright might be Gould’s way of protecting his old mate from undue pressure, or perhaps a subtle signal that bigger moves are afoot behind closed doors.

As the NRL playoffs heat up—Penrith faces the Sydney Roosters in a qualifying final next weekend—these off-field tales add flavor to the on-field frenzy. Will Simmons shadow the club from the stands, or could we see him in a suit at the next AGM? For now, Gould’s announcement has quieted the chatter, but in rugby league, rumors have a habit of resurfacing faster than a loose ball. One thing’s certain: If Royce does return, it’ll be with the same bulldog tenacity that won Penrith its first silverware. And who knows—maybe he’ll even lace up for a legends match.

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