Blues hooker Royce Simmons typified the newfound New South Wales' spirit when early in the opening game he was knocked senseless; he staggered back into position, falling over and regaining his feet then waving trainers away, as he took his place in the defensive formation, before pulling off a try-saving tackle on his own tryline soon after.
Simmons played much of his first year at lock but was moved to hooker late in the 1981 season. After missing the 1985 series when selectors chose Balmain's Benny Elias instead, Simmons regained his place for the Blues in the successful 1986 series against Queensland, including a Man of the Match in game I. Simmons secured a place as the first Penrith player to represent Australia when made his Test debut in the first test against New Zealand at Carlaw Park in Auckland, and played in ten international games over the next year. 
