The Panthers legend opens up about his dementia diagnosis, retirement village life, and why awareness – not just research – is key to tackling the disease.

When the Tulich family announced their new retirement living and aged care development in Penrith, 55km west of the Sydney CBD would be named The Royce, it was a nod to the Penrith Panthers club’s legendary captain and coach, Royce Simmons. At the time, Royce had no plans to live there himself. He was still happily ensconced on a semi-rural block with his wife Liane, enjoying the peace and space.

But as the mowing, upkeep and cleaning began to take their toll, the couple decided it was time to downsize. They liked the idea of a community with modern apartments, plenty of activities and care options on site if they ever needed them.

It turned out to be a timely move. Only a few months after settling into The Royce, located next to the Club to which Royce had dedicated his playing career, he was diagnosed with dementia.

A diagnosis he didn’t see coming

The diagnosis came after a seemingly small incident on a trip away. Royce had just had shoulder surgery and was staying at the coast with his wife. Pulling up at their accommodation, he saw her lift a carton of beer from the car.

“I said, ‘About time you bought me a carton.’ She said, ‘You just went into the pub and bought it.’ I had no memory of it,” he recalls.

Concerned, he went to the doctor, then a specialist. “I thought they’d say, ‘Bit of a knock on the head, take this medication.’ Instead, he said, ‘You’ve got dementia.’ After that, I didn’t hear a word he said.”

Life in the village

For Royce, the village now provides more than convenience – it offers security for the future. “At some stage, I’ll get to where I’m too hard to handle. Here, there’s somewhere I can go to be looked after by the right people,” he said.

Life at The Royce, he says, is as busy or as quiet as you want it to be. Residents can join trips, social gatherings, and sports screenings, or retreat to the privacy of their apartment. Royce stays active through daily exercise, long charity walks, his role as a Panthers ambassador and running the Royce Simmons Foundation.

“Keeping busy is key to delaying it – keep your mind and body active,” he said.

The village also provides support for his wife. “There are other people here whose partners are already over in The Manor being cared for. She can talk to them, get advice, and they support each other. That’s fantastic,” he said.

Awareness gap

Royce is candid about the realities of the disease. “People don’t always see dementia as seriously as cancer. They don’t understand the personal care you might need – help with eating, showering, going to the toilet,” he says. He is especially concerned about the rise in younger-onset dementia, now affecting more than 25,000 Australians in their 40s and 50s.

Through his foundation, he has raised about $1.5 million to fund four dementia research programs, each costing around $380,000. This year’s campaign is a virtual walk – “30 steps for $30” – aimed at rugby league fans and the wider public.

Royce has just set off this week on his latest Big Walk, walking to the regional NSW town of Mudgee over 11 days to raise funds for the foundation.

“I just want to keep pushing awareness,” he said. “Stay active, stay positive – and keep fighting.”

Take 30 steps for Royce

Royce Simmons’ 2025 fundraiser is a virtual walk: take 30 steps and donate $30 to support dementia research. You can give more if you like – and anyone can take part.

Donate now: roycesimmonsfoundation.com.au