GERRINGONG'S Korbin Sims will be the first to admit the 2020 rugby league season has been one of his toughest to date.
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He started the season by breaking an arm at the Perth Nines tournament.
This forced him to miss the Dragons' opening two NRL fixtures before the coronavirus pandemic halted the 2020 premiership.
However, the Group Seven product knuckled down during the lockdown, seeing him rewarded with a start at prop in round three against the Warriors.
"I wouldn't say I have full confidence in all the injuries I've had - I'm probably sitting at around 90 per cent," Sims said.
"The way I prepare for a game of footy is no different.
"I've just tweaked a couple of aspects at training, involving rehabilitation, to ensure I'm in the best position to put my best foot forward, every time I step on the field."
The Dragons were defeated by the Warriors and Sims was dropped for the next four rounds.
However, the 28-year-old received a reprieve on Friday night, after getting called into the match day squad to play the Roosters, following a warm-up injury to Jacob Host (hamstring).
"The lead up to the game was normal for me," Sims said.
"I got onto the bus and started warming up thinking I wasn't going to play.
"However, during warm-up, in which I was actually feeling pretty good, Dean Young pulled me aside and told me I was going to play.
"It's an unfortunate situation for Jacob but I'm old enough and wise enough to get myself ready for a game at short notice.
"I also spoke to Shane Flanagan before the game and he gave me a couple of tips on how to handle myself and what the coaches wanted from me.
"I thought I did my job well - I hope the coaches did too.
"We will wait and see what happens on the selection table on Tuesday."
Despite going down to the reigning premiers on Friday, Sims, who played 25 minutes against the Roosters, believes there are plenty of positives his side can take from the contest.
"The spine is really starting to click and that's a credit to Mary [Paul McGregor] and his coaching staff to finding the right balance in the team," Sims, who praised fullback Matt Dufty for his strong recent play, said.
"Although we didn't get the result on Friday, I believe we are stepping in the right direction and more wins are just around the corner with our improved play."
The 12th placed Dragons will now travel south to face the Raiders, marking the Green Machine's first game at GIO Stadium since the resumption.
"It's just another week for us - the travel isn't going to affect us," Sims said.
"We're preparing to play a very strong Canberra side, who will be keen to make amends for their tight loss to Parramatta.
"We know the calibre of players in their ranks and what they're capable of.
"The main thing is we continue to focus on ourselves and playing our own game.
"If we do that, I'm confident we can record our third win on Friday night"
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
