His father made history for the All Blacks and then played a role in “the blackest day in Australian sport”, but Bailey Simonsson can make an even more lasting impression in an unexpected second grand final appearance.
Simonsson will retain his place in the centres for Parramatta after Tom Opacic was unable to overcome a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the preliminary final victory against North Queensland on Friday. The former Canberra three-quarter is one of only two Eels with grand final experience, alongside Ryan Matterson, as they come up against a Penrith outfit preparing for its third straight decider.
Simonsson’s father, Paul, has already made an impact in sport in careers on and off the field. Paul still holds the record for most tries scored by an All Black on debut after crossing the line four times against Japan in 1987.
Simonsson snr switched codes after two appearances for New Zealand, only to have his league career cut short in the first game of the 1991 season. Playing for the North Sydney Bears, he tore his cruciate ligament trying to retrieve a kick from Ricky Stuart and ultimately retired the following season. Twenty-seven years later, Stuart selected Bailey for the Raiders’ 2019 grand final loss to the Roosters.
Paul also made an altogether different contribution to rugby league. During the supplements saga, dubbed “The blackest day in Australian sport”, he was one of the lead investigators for the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Despite the experiences garnered during colourful careers, Simonsson said his father doesn’t dispense too much football advice.
Bailey Simonsson’s family has a rich history in sport.Credit:Getty
“He’s just a dad,” Simonsson said. “He lets the coaches talk footy to me. When I call him he just asks how I’m going, how my day has gone. Football is a journey, it’s a roller coaster, you have ups and downs.
’He’s part of a great support network for me with my Mum, my whole family, it’s massive. I owe a lot to him and Mum.”
The 24-year-old wasn’t aware of his Dad’s footballing exploits until he reached primary school.
“I was too young to remember him playing, but I’ve seen some highlights,” he said.
“He was obviously a good player, but a very humble man – he would never talk about himself.
“There’s footage of that stuff: he played for the All Blacks and ran around with the Bears. Unfortunately, he had a couple of cruel knee injuries that hindered him. He’s very humble. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Paul Simonsson on debut in the All Blacks’ 94-0 victory over Japan.Credit:Reuters
Simonsson said he felt for Opacic, who has been named on an extended bench for the Panthers clash but isn’t expected to play.
“That’s the nature of football; you never want to see anyone get injured, especially with Tom,” he said. “He’s a great player and an even better person. I hope he can rehab well and get back.
“By the same token, I want to play in the grand final. It’s not about individuals, it’s about the Eels. It doesn’t matter who plays, you’ve got to go out there and do the job for the team and hopefully win the premiership.”
Bailey, who only last week returned to first grade following a hamstring injury of his own, came off the bench in the 2019 decider and believes he will be better for the experience.
“He’s just a dad … he’s part of a great support network for me.”
Bailey Simonsson on father Paul.
“I was lucky to experience a grand final in my first year at the Raiders,” he said.
“I did learn from that week; it goes by fast. You don’t get these opportunities very often, and you need to make the most of the whole week.
“You soak it in; the week goes so fast. By the same token, you keep your prep the same because you’ve got a job to do on Sunday. The week is all well and good, but there’s a game to be played, you need to be on your job.”
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