Going the distance for Royce's Big Walk

The Panthers have hold of the perpetual trophy named in Simmons’ honour after defeating Wests Tigers 18-16 in last year's inaugural match at CommBank Stadium.

Simmons revealed in January last year that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was quick to offer his help to others fighting the condition, establishing Royce's Big Walk and the Royce Simmons Foundation.

Simmons of course has very close ties with both clubs.

He played 238 games across 12 seasons for the Panthers and later coached the club for eight years, before spending eight seasons at Wests Tigers as an assistant coach to Tim Sheens, helping the club win its maiden NRL premiership.

The tough-as-nails premiership-winning hooker last year raised over $600,000 for dementia research through Royce’s Big Walk - a 300km journey from Gooloogong to Penrith.

This year’s Big Walk, covering roughly the same distance, is from Dubbo to Bathurst and will finish at Carrington Park for the Round 9 NRL match between Wests Tigers and the Panthers.

Joining this year’s Big Walk are several players who have worn our colours in their younger years, either for Balmain, Western Suburbs, or Wests Tigers.

Leading the charge alongside Royce last Friday were Paul Sironen and Ronnie Palmer. The trio covered about 31 kilometres on the road to Parkes in just under six hours, with more than a few tales told along the way.

Others who have donned our club colours and who walked big distances last week, include Terry Lamb, Garry Jack, Andrew Farrar, Paul ‘Nobby” Clarke and Luke Goodwin.

A couple off Wests Tigers legends will join the tour for the penultimate leg of the 12-day walk on Friday. 

John Skandalis, joined by recruitment guru Warren McDonnell, will cover about 30kms from Lewis Ponds to Dunkeld before passing the baton to Chris Lawrence, who will push on to Mount Panorama.

More about Royce’s Big Walk, 2023:

Funds raised will go to Royce’s designated not-for-profit support organisation, Dementia Australia.  You can make a donation today.

Walk location: Dubbo to Bathurst

Distance: 313km

Length: 12 Days Walking

Start Date: 18 April 2023

Finish Date: Saturday 29 April 2023

Arrival Event: Arriving to Panthers Vs Wests Tigers, playing for the Royce Simmons Cup