THERE’S been many twists and turns in the career of Dragons enforcer Tariq Sims, but the latest may just trump them all if he makes a long-awaited Origin debut this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sims has seemingly spent all eight of his NRL seasons on the cusp of a maiden Blues jumper, only to be repeatedly set back by career-threatening injuries.
The fact it’s an injury to his cousin that could open the door for him to finally earn that maiden NSW start is almost hypoerbolic in its irony.
Yet that’s the scenario presented this week, with Reagan Campbell-Gillard ruled out of games two and three after suffering a broken jaw in the Panthers loss to the Roosters on Friday.
Sims, who was one of the first on the phone to check on his cousin’s welfare, looms as a likely replacement in Brad Fittler’s 17 having been 18th man for game one.
“I was watching the game [on Friday] and they weren’t really leaking too much in regards to his jaw until the second half,” Sims said.
“As soon as they did I texted him and he let me know what they thought it was.
“Unfortunately the scans came back with what it was so it’s obviously disappointing for big Reggie.
“It’s one of those things, accidents do happen during a game and unfortunately he was on the wrong end of one.
“I know as much as anyone you’re only one run away from an injury, unfortunately we saw that with Reggie. He got a knock on his jaw and now he’s out for four to six weeks.
“You’ve just got to play every game like it’s your last and hope for the best. That’s definitely how I approach it.”
Elevating game-one debutant Paul Vaughan into a starting role with Sims coming onto the bench is one option for Brad Fittler, though specialist props Ryan James and Matt Prior have been added to a 20-man squad.
Sims’ ability to play in the middle and on the edge could get him the nod, but the 28-year-old said he’s willing to play any role required of him.
“The hunger’s never wavered to pull on that jersey and play,” Sims said.
“It’s a tough call to make. Freddie and the coaching staff have got a game plan, whether that’s me going into the middle that’s up to them.
“I don’t mind mixing it up in the middle. I’ll just make sure I’m in there doing my best for the team in whatever role I’m asked to play.
“It’s just one of those things where I’m going to have to keep biding my time and chipping away and hopefully playing some strong football when I get the chance.”