He may have just had the one year with the Melbourne Storm but his presence and impact were felt, as Tariq Sims departs the club to join Super League side Catalans on a two-year deal.
Sims, a Gerringong junior, who has had a storied career spanning more than a decade since his debut in 2011, says he will always cherish his time at the Storm.
“It’s been sort of an emotional last two months for me sorting this out and you know it’s time for me to not only leave the Storm but retire from the NRL,” Sims said.
“It [time at Storm] was everything I hoped for and more, unfortunately, it was only a year but to be quite honest it was probably one of the most enjoyable years of my career, just the comradery that everyone has here, the connection the club has not only with the players but with the front office, sponsors and everyone involved with the club.”
Sims’ impact was felt by all at the club and he drew praise from the club’s General Manager of Football in Frank Ponissi.
“Tariq is a highly popular and respected individual not only among his teammates but the wider club,” Ponissi said.
“He’s only been with us for one year and has left no stone unturned in getting the best out of his career and our younger cohort of players. He always puts in 110% at training and in his recovery and drives those standards throughout our group.”
With a new club in Catalans, Sims is excited for what the next couple of seasons will bring.
“I’m excited to add to the team my experience and what I’ve learnt over the past 13 years in the NRL. my desire to compete and challenge myself both on and off the field is motivating to me, and I believe being at the Catalans will do that,” Sims said.
“It’ll be a new chapter for myself and my family, but we are very excited for it.”
Sims’ versatility is what made him a viable and attractive option for Catalans in the eyes of coach Steve McNamara.
“We are really pleased to add someone of Tariq’s quality and experience to our team,” McNamara said.
“His ability to play both on the edge and the middle will increase our selection options and he will also fill a void which will be left by some our players retiring in the leadership area.”