Sims did arrive at Dragons prior to June 30 and won’t play against the Knights on Saturday as a condition of his release but Matthews says he plans to see out his deal at the club which expires at the end of this season.

“It’s funny, I heard it on the news before anything else,” Matthews said.

“I spoke to my manager about it and apparently there was some interest but nothing really came of it.

“I’m just concentrating on playing footy for the Dragons. That’s my job at the moment.

“I’m here for this year and next year and me and my family are pretty settled here so I’m not keen to leave.”

Matthews is held in high regard by coach Paul McGregor who dubbed him one of the best interchange players in the game earlier this season.

He remains part of a healthy stock of back-rowers that now includes Sims alongside fellow rep forwards Tyson Frizell, Joel Thompson and Jack de Belin.

Matthews said Sims’s arrival has put everyone on notice with spots in the 17 to be at a premium over the latter half of the season.

“When Friz comes back it’s going to be tough for spots in the team,” Matthews said.

“Everyone’s going to have to be playing there best footy if they want to stay in the team. It’s a good motivation to have and it’s always good to have that competition for spots. I’m just keen to get in and play good footy to keep my spot there.”