Stuart McLennan
It’s easy to spot Roy Simpson in the line-up of NSW Universities players. The rangy back-rower is a mirror image of his father Steve Simpson, a True Blue, a premiership-winner and life member of the Newcastle Knights, and a Kangaroo.
Steve wore the NSW Blues jersey 13 times and his 19-year-old Newcastle University Environmental Science student son will now have the chance to represent his state at the universities level after playing for the Knights UNE SG Ball Cup squad this year.
As a back-rower, Roy said he is often subject to comparisons with his high profile father.
“I don't remember watching my dad live but there’s always the old games on YouTube or occasionally coming on the TV,” Roy said.
“He has given me lots of advice as a player. He coached me all through my juniors, so he's had a fair bit of impact.”
NSW coach Jim Pizanias says the Simpson name is not lost on him when considering the impact Roy can make.
“He's a quiet kid and we don't get much out of him voice wise, but he's a big lad, tall, and he's got a good build,” Pizanias said.
“He’ll go well. When I saw him, I noticed he's a spitting image of his dad, and hopefully he can play like his dad.”
After going down to Queensland in the last two interstate challenge matches, including a 22-6 loss at North Sydney last year, NSW Universities have just one returning player from 2025, while Pizanias comes in as coach.
“We’ve got a young enthusiastic side and they're all first or second year students, which is a good thing for New South Wales,” Pizanias said. “If we can keep the core and, and keep them for a couple of years, they'll come good.
“We’re not a big side, but we're a skillful side, so I just think the young energy that will come out of the boys may get us a win.”
Roy added: “I’m expecting a tough game.
“I'm keen to have a battle of state vs state and to play against some handy players. Just to experience all that will be good.”
NSW Universities will travel to Brisbane to play QLD Universities at Leo Williams Oval, Carina on 23 May. The men’s fixture starts at 3pm with the women's match following at 4:30pm.
NSW Universities Men's squad: Leon Bakis (University of Technology, Sydney), Dusan Cavric (University of NSW), Abdallah Jacob El-Ters (Australian Catholic University), Thomas Fisher (University of Wollongong), Lachlan Halls (Macquarie University), Tyson Kunkel (Australian College of Physical Education), Mitchell Langley (University of Technology, Sydney), Blayne Linsell (University of Newcastle), William Malloy (Australian Catholic University), James Marriott (Massey University, New Zealand), Robert Miller (University of Technology, Sydney) Ryan Polsen (Australian College of Physical Education), Heith Pritchard (Western Sydney University), Jayden Seckold (University of Newcastle), Roy Simpson (University of Newcastle), Devonte Vaotu’ua (University of Technology, Sydney), Riley Watson-Miletic (Australian College of Physical Education), Xavier Zanzoul (Australian College of Physical Education).
