Is Eric Simms Still Alive? All About This NRL Player
by Mathelene | Updated May 19, 2023
Who is Eric Simms?
Eric Simms is a former Australian rugby league player who was known for his kicking prowess. He was born on November 12, 1947, in Grafton, New South Wales, Australia. Simms played as a goal-kicking halfback, five-eighth, and fullback during his career, primarily for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), which is now known as the National Rugby League (NRL).
He debuted for South Sydney in 1966 and played with the club until his retirement in 1976. One of Simms' notable achievements was his exceptional goal-kicking ability. He was known for his accuracy and consistency in converting tries and kicking penalty goals.
Simms holds several goal-kicking records, including the highest percentage of successful kicks in a season and the most consecutive goals kicked in a match. Simms represented New South Wales in the State of Origin matches and also played for Australia at the international level. He made his international debut for Australia in 1969 and played in a total of nine Test matches.
Simms was part of the Australian team that won the 1970 Rugby League World Cup. After retiring from playing, Simms remained involved in rugby league as a coach and commentator. He was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
Is Eric Simms Still Alive?
Yes, Eric Simms is still alive. Eric Simms, who is still alive, was honored at the Eric Simms Challenge - A Tribute to Indigenous Rugby League held in June 2001 at Redfern Oval. During the event, the Indigenous Team of the Century was announced, and the selection panel included notable individuals such as Aden Ridgeway (then Senator and former South Sydney junior league player), Ian Heads (rugby league journalist and historian), Frank Hyde, Roy Masters, and David Middleton (a rugby league historian).
The Eric Simms Challenge aimed to pay homage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, both past and present. As part of the event, a match was played between the NRL Rabbitohs team and the Murdi Paaki Warriors, a representative Aboriginal team consisting of players from various regions in western New South Wales, including areas from the Queensland border to Burren Junction in the east, Gulargambone in the south-east, Bourke, Cobar, Ivanhoe, and down to the Victorian edge.
Eric Simms Family
Eric Simms, born on August 2, 1945, hails from Karuah, New South Wales. He is the eldest son of John (Jack) Simms, an Ullugundy Island man who temporarily resided in Karuah before moving to La Perouse in Sydney. Eric's mother, Gwendoline May Cook, later became Gwendoline Ping when her own mother remarried.
Growing up on the former Aboriginal reserve in Karuah, Eric and his sister Beverley were raised by their mother and stepfather, Fred Ridgeway. Six other younger brothers and sisters also joined them, although some of his siblings, unfortunately, passed away at birth.
In 1977, Eric Simms returned to his family's home in Chifley, Sydney, where he embarked on a career working on the wharves. He remained in the industry for over 30 years, initially at Port Botany and later as a foreman for P&O at the White Bay Wharves in Port Sydney. The demands of shift work eventually brought an end to his coaching days and his rugby league career. Eric Simms married Charlene, with whom he has two children. He also has three children from his first wife, Sue.
Eric Simms NRL
Eric Simms is a former Australian rugby league player who had a successful career in the National Rugby League (NRL). He played primarily for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a team in the NRL. Simms played as a goal-kicking halfback, five-eighth, and fullback during his time with the Rabbitohs. He made his NRL debut for South Sydney in 1966 and played with the club until his retirement in 1976.
Simms was known for his exceptional goal-kicking abilities and holds several goal-kicking records. He was highly accurate and consistent in converting tries and kicking penalty goals. Simms also represented New South Wales in the State of Origin matches, which are annual rugby league contests between New South Wales and Queensland.
Additionally, he played for the Australian national team, earning nine Test caps. Simms was part of the Australian squad that won the 1970 Rugby League World Cup. Throughout his NRL career, Simms showcased his skills and contributed significantly to the success of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Is Eric Simms Still Alive - FAQ
Yes, Eric Simms is still alive.
Yes, Eric Simms had a family.
Eric Simms played as a goal-kicking halfback, five-eighth, and fullback during his rugby league career.