David Simmons (rugby league)

David Simmons (born 6 December 1984) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League. He primarily played as a wing, fullback and centre.

David Simmons
Personal information
Born (1984-12-06) 6 December 1984
Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Height186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight93 kg (14 st 9 lb)
PositionWing, Fullback, Centre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2003–09 Cronulla Sharks 112 54 0 0 216
2010–15 Penrith Panthers 88 49 2 0 200
Total 200 103 2 0 416
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2006 NSW City 1 1 0 0 4
Source: [1]

Playing career

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Simmons a De La Salle junior made his debut for Cronulla in the 2003 NRL season. In 2008, Simmons was part of the Cronulla side which made the preliminary final but lost to Melbourne 28-0.[2][3]

Penrith Panthers

Simmons entered the Panthers camp in 2010 with high expectations to be a new attacking weapon for the team, but once again Simmons injured his left shoulder in the trial match which resulted in him being sidelined until round 14. Simmons was finally able to represent Penrith in Round 15 of the NSW Cup, playing for the Windsor Wolves.[4] Simmons made his Penrith Panthers first grade debut against the Dragons, Round 17 2010, scoring a try in the Panthers victory.

In 2011, Simmons became a regular first grader for the Penrith Panthers, playing mostly left wing, though occasionally filled in the fullback position. Simmons played 23 games and was Penriths to try scorer with Lachlan Coote, scoring 12 tries.

Simmons played 16 games for the Panthers in 2012, but only scored two tries.

Simmons at the 2013 Dally M Awards

Simmons finished the 2013 NRL season as the leagues equal leading try scorer for the regular season, having crossed for 19 tries for the Panthers. He shared the award with David Williams of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and James McManus of the Newcastle Knights.

Retirement

On 31 August, Simmons announced his retirement from rugby league at the end of the 2015 NRL season.[5] On 28 June 2015, Simmons scored 4 tries in Penrith's 35-12 victory over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.[6]

Personal life

Simmons is a Christian, becoming one after attending a youth group. He has been ordained as an Anglican minister, after completing a Bachelor of Theology part-time at Moore Theological College, Sydney (2010-2015) and as a full-time student in 2015-2016. [7] Simmons commenced as the Assistant Minister at Emu Plains Anglican Church in 2018, where he is currently serving the people of Western Sydney.[8]

References
  1. Rugby League Project
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/31/penrith-panthers-david-simmons-to-retire-from-nrl-at-end-of-season
  3. https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/09/27/top-5-storm-sharks-showdowns/
  4. "Team Announcement". penrithpanthers.com. 15 June 2010. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  5. http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sport/nrl/news/2015/8/official-statement-penrith-panthers-david-simmons-announces-retirement/
  6. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-28/simmons-bags-four-as-panthers-smash-tigers-35-12/6579100
  7. Chris Georgakopoulos (2 September 2015). "Simmons swaps boots for bible". Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  8. "Emu Plains Anglican Church". Emu Plains Anglican Church. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
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