Newcastle coach Nathan Brown has refused to rule out the possibility of Country Origin forward Tariq Sims joining St George Illawarra before the June 30 transfer deadline.
The 26-year-old Knights co-captain and former North Queensland Cowboys enforcer has signed a three-year deal with the Dragons, reportedly worth $1.2million.
The Dragons and Knights issued statements shortly after full-time in Newcastle’s 20-18 loss to Parramatta at Hunter Stadium on Monday night confirming speculation that Sims would join the Red V at the end of the 2016 season.
“Tariq had an option to extend his current contract for a further season into 2017 but opted to secure his future with a longer-term deal elsewhere,” Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said in a statement.
The Knights are still weighing up their options regarding Sims for this season, and it is understood they would consider granting him an early release provided they receive some benefit.
“At this stage, all I’d say is that Taz is here. That’s probably the best way to put it,” Brown said.
Sims played 80 minutes against the Eels, running 12 times for 109 metres and making 34 tackles in what Brown described as his best performance since the coach took the reins at Newcastle.
“People probably need to understand that Tariq didn’t come in and demand a pay rise. The market forces determined that Tariq deserved to get paid what he got paid,” Brown said.
“As the head coach of the club, and with Moons (Knights football general manager Darren Mooney), we made a decision that we didn’t want to go to those levels at this stage.”
GTW
Guest
I suppose Saints will be less boring with Sims in the team.
Dean - Surry Hills
Roar Pro
Not sure if the Saints can handle an extra 3 penalties per game against them.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
This is difficult to make sense of as a signing unless the Dragons are planning to move on Thompson at the end of the year, Thompson and Frizell (who is on a longer deal) are of similar quality to Tariq.
Ken
Guest
Yeah, as a Dragons fan I'm pretty happy with that signing. The Dragons have a hard-working and mostly effective forward pack, but it lacks a bit of mongrel aggression. A change of environment might do Sims good too, it's can't be easy performing in that current Newcastle squad. He showed in his N Qld days that he is capable of being an elite level second-rower.
At work
Roar Rookie
Plus $400k isn't exactly breaking the bank, I'm okay with this
Burgs
Guest
It's a great signing, we have halves we just need enforcers to get us on the front foot.
GTW
Guest
Sims seems to play best when he gets annoyed or criticised, which is hardly a recipe for consistency. He's a more aggressive version of Dave Taylor/Tony Williams; he will win you the odd game but fade out of many.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Why the hell would the Dragons want Sims ? Those would be his best ever stats and like his brothers he constantly gives penalties for high shots, late tackles and overplays the tough guy thing. We need a half or five eight who can lead the team around the paddock.