Former Knights player Matthew Johns said Sims had told his teammates Monday night’s thrilling loss to Parramatta would be his last for the club. However, St George Illawarra released a statement at 9pm on Monday to say "Sims will join the Dragons in November".

 Knights chief executive Matt Gidley denied any suggestions of an early release, saying he would “prefer Tariq to roll up his sleeves and play out the season’’.

Gidley said if the Dragons were intent on rushing Sims into their squad before the June 30 deadline, it was up to them to present Newcastle with an “attractive” proposal.

“Tariq had an option for 2017 and we encouraged him to take that option up,’’ Gidley said.

“Ultimately the security of a three-year deal with the Dragons was more appealing, and he’s chosen to take that up. 

“At this stage, we’re open to having a discussion [about an early release] but Tariq’s contract with us is until the end of 2016.’’

It's believed negotiations had involved as back-rowers Jake Marketo or Will Matthews were discussed as possible trade bait.

It is understood the Knights baulked at matching the Dragons’ offer for Sims, believed to be about $1.5 million over three years. “They wanted to just leave that one year there for him to play for the next contract," Sims’s manager, the former Melbourne and NSW player Scott Hill said. 

"All players think differently.  A lot of players like to have that bit of security, which is understandable.

"He's got a young family and a lot of other commitments outside of his football as a father and as a provider and every player and every person is looking for security at that time of their career."

Sims is a Gerringong junior who has also previously played for North Queensland. Meanwhile, Dragons fullback Josh Dugan is in danger of missing State of Origin game two, as he has minor surgery on an elbow injury which has kept him out of the series opener against Queensland. Kiama junior Josh Morris has replaced Morris to play on Wednesday night.