16 February 2024 , 18:06
833
0
Catalans star Tariq Sims intends on ruining Sam Burgess’ big Super League return but expects a scrap.
Having joined from Melbourne Storm, ex-New South Wales State of Origin forward Sims is out to pack a punch with beaten Grand Finalists Dragons in 2024. But his first game is against Warrington - who have England legend Burgess as head coach for the first time.
Sims, 34, played countless times against the South Sydney juggernaut in the NRL. But now he lines up in a different role as superstar Burgess features in Super League for the first time since leaving Bradford to head down under as a 21-year-old in 2009.
Ahead of Saturday's Perpignan clash, Sims admitted: “I’d rather not be seeing Sam Burgess again: he still looks match-ready!
“If it’s a Sam Burgess team - and anything how he played - they’ll be well-drilled, very educated on their opponent and in the fight. I don’t think I ever played against Sam where he wasn’t ready to fight.
Gay rugby league referee lifts lid on how coming out affected officiating career
"He’ll have his boys primed and ready to go at us. But I can’t wait to get going with Catalans.”
He becomes the third Sims brother to play in Super League. Korbin, 32, had two seasons with Hull KR before injury forced early retirement in 2022. But long-haired prop Ashton, 38, was a huge fans favourite at Warrington from 2015 to 2017.
Sims said: “Ashton told me all about Warrington. They’ll be in the race at the end of the year so there’s no better place to test ourselves. And, for me, it’s extremely exciting especially to have my first game in the SL in Perpignan so my family can come see.”
Tariq Sims in action for New South Wales against Queensland in 2021 (Getty Images)Since reaching their second Grand Final in three years last season, Catalans have lost key playmakers Sam Tomkins and Mitchell Pearce to retirement. Steve McNamara’s side will have a new look to it as the new season gets underway.
Sims’ experience - he made more than 200 NRL appearances after also featuring for North Queensland, Newcastle and St George-Illawarra - will be needed. He said: “We have lost some experience and some big game experience. Let's not dance around it; they are probably two of the most influential players in our game.
"Sam Tomkins’ and Mitchell Pearce’s records speak for themselves. But with that comes opportunities for other players to take roles and jerseys and this is a really good opportunity for us to kick on.
“I’ve played a long time and we have some great leaders like the skipper [Ben Garcia], Julien Bousquet and Mickey McIlorum who’s still moving like an 18-year-old and is a phenomenal player.”