But seven years later, a brutal run of injuries, including two broken legs, and a number of unlucky breaks looked set to not only derail Sims’ Origin ambitions, but his career as a whole. 

Now, after an outstanding season for the St George Illawarra Dragons, Sim has been named to make his debut for the Blues in next Wednesday’s Origin clash. 

“To hear my name get read out in the bench spot was pretty surreal,” Sims said. “I’m so very happy, I actually can’t wait to tell my family that I’m 100% playing now, so I’m very excited.

“I’ve loved my time helping the boys prepare for the first two games and I’m lucky enough to get a crack now.”

After serving as 18^th man for both Origin I and Origin II, Sims is well-versed in the pressure that comes with an Origin preparation. And it’s this experience that he believes will ensure he isn’t overawed by the occasion at Suncorp Stadium.

“It’s one of those things where I think I know what’s expected during the week and the training load and the drain that it does take on you. Some days can drag on a little bit longer than others, but you need to make sure you’re giving it 110% because you only get one shot at it.

“I’ve got a fair idea of what I need to do and what I need to bring to the team. I’ve been playing in that sort of role the last two camps, so I know what he [Brad Fittler] expects and I know what’s needed to come out and do my job.”

Sims entered the season locked in a battle with youngster Luciano Leilua for the Dragons vacant backrow position. He won that contest and hasn’t looked back. 

The 28-year-old from Gerringong has led the side with his physicality in defence, while his combination with halfback Ben Hunt has made the Dragons left edge one of the most potent attacking corridors in the competition. 

To Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes, Sims’ playing style is perfectly suited to the physical nature of Origin. 

“He was quite unlucky not to be there from game one,” McInnes said.

“But he kept playing well for the club and he’s getting his opportunity in game three. I think he’ll go out and play really well and be able to keep his spot for the long run. He’s probably been, week to week, our most consistent all year, and it’s a great reward for him.

“He’s very tough, you can see that he runs the ball hard and he’s quite aggressive in defence, that works for footy of any level. I can see him playing really strongly on the following Wednesday night and I don’t think anyone in the competition deserves it more than him.”

The jubilation for Sims comes as Hunt was demoted to the bench for Queensland. Heavily criticised after the game two defeat, Hunt has lost the halfback position to Daly Cherry-Evans.

For McInnes, it’s a decision that doesn’t make a lot of sense. 

“He’s a great player and I don’t really care what Queensland do, but I don’t agree with putting him on the bench. That’s something that’s up to them, what they want to do, but I think in game one he was their best player.

“Footy is an 80 minute game and you have one or two plays you probably want to take back, but I don’t think he deserves to be dropped to the bench for that.”