Catalans Dragons sign NRL and State of Origin star for 2024 season

27 September 2023 , 08:53

1052     0

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Tariq Sims of the Blues prepares for kick-off during game one of the 2022 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on June 08, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

New South Wales State of Origin forward Tariq Sims has followed the lead of his brothers by agreeing to leave the NRL for Super League.

The Melbourne Storm second-row, 33, has joined Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal from 2024. Elder sibling Ashton starred with Warrington from 2015 to 2017 before moving to Toronto while younger brother Korbin played for Hull KR in 2021 and last season before injury forced his retirement. Fiji international Tariq, who has has also represented North Queensland, St George Illawarra and Newcastle Knights, has often spoken about making the switch in competitions and that has now been confirmed following Melbourne's play-offs exit against Penrith last weekend.

He said: "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. It’ll be a new chapter for myself and my family, but we are very excited for it."

Sims played 15 NRL games for the Storm this season and has now reached 236 NRL appearances since 2011, scoring 44 tries in 13 seasons at the highest level. He represented Fiji at the 2013 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals of the competition. He was also selected six times with New South Wales between 2018 and 2022, winning three games for the Blues.

Tariq Sims in action for New South Wales in 2021 (Getty Images)

With Matt Whitley set to join St Helens in 2024, Sims - who can also play prop - will prove a valuable addition for Catalans. Dragons boss Steve McNamara said: “We are really pleased to add someone of Tariq’s quality and experience to our team.

Gay rugby league referee lifts lid on how coming out affected officiating career

"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. His enthusiasm to join the Dragons and be successful was apparent from the first conversation and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to Perpignan.”

David Craven