The Origin forward has been battling duel groin injuries since the Charity Shield and while he had initially hoped to play out the season, with the Dragons out of finals contention, it was decided to undergo the operation now.

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After making his NSW debut in 2018, Sims had hoped to earn an Australian call up, however, the surgery means the 29-year-old will be unavailable for selection when Australia take on the Kiwis at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

Despite the fact he will miss the final four games of the NRL season, St George Illawarra head of athletic performance Nathan Pickworth said Sims will make a full recovery and will be fit to play in time for the 2020 season.

"Tariq underwent successful groin surgery in Sydney on Monday," Pickworth said. "The timeframe for recovery unfortunately means he will not play again in season 2019.

"Tariq will rehabilitate over the off-season and be ready to play come the commencement of the 2020 NRL premiership."

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