After a strong individual season, Tariq Sims has been rewarded by the St George Illawarra Dragons with a new contract.
Already contracted for the 2019 season, Sims’ new deal is from 2020 and will run for three seasons.
The local junior hails from Gerringong and played in all club games except one in 2018.
In the end, the opportunities to stay at his local club and in his local area were too good to pass up.
“The Dragons has always been a club I’ve wanted to play for and represent being from Gerringong,” said Sims.
“To have the chance to extend my time with this special playing group, it was too good an opportunity to go anywhere else.”
Initially, the chance to work alongside Paul McGregor lured Sims to the club and he looks forward to continuing that.
“Mary (Paul McGregor) is a coach I’ve always wanted to play for and he has always wanted to coach me, which was very important when I first came to the Dragons,” continued the back-rower.
“I’d like to think I’ve taken my opportunities here at the club with both hands.”
With his aim to win a premiership, Sims is also excited with the young talent coming through the club ranks.
“The goal is always winning a premiership, but I can’t wait to help develop the players coming through,” added Sims.
“To see some of these young kids kick on in their careers from the Under-20s to the NRL in the coming years will be a real highlight.”
The club knew that retaining Sims long-term was a key priority, given how well he played in 2018.
“There’s a lot of things we like about Tariq on the field, but there’s also plenty of things we like about him off it,” said Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward.
“He’s a real leader and will be a great mentor for some of our young players.”
“Tariq personifies personality and commitment, and what he does around the club on and off the field is enormous.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and his standing in the game at present is very important to our club.”