Tariq Sims' career at the Dragons is set to continue for the foreseeable future, with an early move to the Storm currently off the table.
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The forward signed a one-year deal with Melbourne last week, fuelling speculation he will join the club in the coming weeks.
That talk continued on Wednesday after Sims revealed he is open to leaving St George Illawarra before the end of the season and said the clubs were currently in discussions.
The Dragons, however, have not received an approach from the Storm requesting an early release.
The Mercury understands Melbourne officials were in contact with St George Illawarra on Wednesday to clarify their stance after Sims' comments earlier in the day.
"The clubs are talking at the moment," Sims said.
"You'd have to ask them. The clubs are discussing that. I never wanted to leave (the Dragons) in the first place."
Any urgency for an immediate switch to Melbourne diminished on Wednesday, with assault charges against Storm prop Tui Kamikamica dismissed in court, clearing the way for the hulking forward to return to the field after sitting out under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy.
The Dragons also have a greater need for Sims to remain in Wollongong, with edge forward Jaydn Su'A suffering an ankle injury in Monday's win over the Roosters.
The 32-year-old was told midway through last season his contract with the Dragons would not be extended beyond 2022, with the Storm offering a lifeline.
The decision to move to Melbourne and work with Craig Bellamy proved an easy choice for the NSW State of Origin star.
"To get it done and be going to a club like Melbourne, it's very exciting, but I've still got a job here to do.
"Their coaching structure, the club, the passionate players, pretty much everything to do with Melbourne (was appealing)."
Sims has remained the heart and soul of the Dragons over the past few years, leading the club through tough times on the field.
That made the decision not to re-sign the veteran so shocking, with his teammates disappointed to see him go.
My love towards the club hasn't changed and I don't think it ever will.
- Tariq Sims
"It's really sad," Dragons skipper Ben Hunt said. "He's been a good player, he's been here since I've come to the club. He puts his best foot forward every week, he tries hard, he does everything right off the field, he's a real club man. He's going to be one that's missed.
"I'd love to see him stay until the end of the year. He brings a lot to this team and I think he can really add a lot of value to us for the rest of the year."
While disappointed not to be offered the chance to finish his career with the Dragons, the club will always hold a special place in Sims' heart.
A Gerringong junior, the forward grew up dreaming of playing for St George Illawarra and he remains grateful for the opportunity to play seven seasons in the Red V.
"I still love the club," Sims said. "I still love the people in the front office, the fans, they're all a big part of my life here in the last seven years. They've been nothing but awesome to me and my family.
"I've never taken it for granted to pull on a Red V jumper. It's a very proud jumper and one I still to this day, every time I go out before I play, I smell it, I think about the past players, my family, and my teammates. That's my last ritual before I go out and play.
"That hasn't changed. My love towards the club hasn't changed and I don't think it ever will. It's a club that's given me a lot of opportunities. It's given me time to grow as a player.
"When Mary (ex-coach Paul McGregor) got me here, that was probably one of the most exciting times in my life, to come and play for the Red V.
"It's been a big part of my family with my brother Ashton playing for us and coming through the junior ranks. To say I've played a few seasons at the Dragons is something I'll be proud of."
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