The Storm confirmed on Friday evening that Sims had signed a one-year deal for the 2023 season. The NSW State of Origin second rower was one of two players announced by Melbourne, alongside Catalans Dragons forward Joe Chan.

However, speculation remains that Sims could leave Wollongong a lot sooner, with Nine's World of Sports claiming the clubs were working on a deal for Sims to leave in the coming weeks.

The 32-year-old remains contracted to St George Illawarra until the end of the 2022 season, but was told by the club last September that he could look elsewhere when his deal expired.

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Talks about Sims moving to Melbourne has bubbled since March, the Storm set to have a depleted pack in 2023 with Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi joining new NRL club, the Dolphins. Speculation grew stronger when he was left out of the Dragons side for round one against the Warriors.

When asked on Friday about Sims potentially leaving in the near future, Griffin said the Dragons were not "looking at that [option] at the moment", but he also didn't rule out the move either.

"We haven't heard from the Storm about the possibility of him moving [early], that's in their court if they want to test the waters to see if that could happen.

"But from our point of view, we're not looking for that to happen. It's up to the Storm, if they were desperate to want that to happen, they could get in contact with our people."

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Speculation about Sims' future continues as promising Illawarra talent Jack Bostock has reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins from 2023.

Bostock has been a part of St George Illawarra's junior development for the past few years and has impressed for the Steelers in the 2022 SG Ball competition.

"The Dolphins have obviously got a big cheque book and 36 spots to fill. They pulled one of Penrith's best kids out of there a month ago as well, and Jack's headed there now," Griffin said.

"When you're the 17th team, you've got to get your players off the other 16 teams. And if we're doing the right thing, which we are, in producing our kids, we're going to be attractive to other clubs. You never want to lose them but it just happens in rugby league."

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