Tariq Sims credits his baby girl for his best performance for the Cowboys in two years

COWBOY Tariq Sims may be battling for sleep, but he credits his new baby daughter for his best performance in more than two years.

TARIQ Sims may be battling for sleep, but he credits the baby daughter he welcomed into the world earlier this month for his best performance in more than two years.

Sims and his partner, successful model Ashleigh Sudholz, are now doting parents to Lakia Kai, their first child.

Their daughter’s birth has coincided with Sims’ best game for North Queensland since his rookie season in 2011.

After two broken legs, Sims has finally regained the confidence to become the damaging ball-runner he was three years ago.

While he was solid for the Cowboys last season, Sims’ seven tackle busts and two line breaks in only 42 minutes against the Broncos last Friday was an example of the game-changing form he showed when he burst on to the NRL scene.

News_Image_File: Ashleigh Sudholz and Tariq Sims welcomed a baby girl in the world earlier this month.

The responsibility of being a father is clearly having a positive influence on the 24-year-old’s on-field form.

Speaking for the first time about his daughter, Sims said Lakia Kai was bound to mature him.

“It is an eye opener and I can’t wait to watch her grow up,” he said.

“It puts a smile on my face every time I talk about her.

“The missus was awesome. I’m very blessed. I’m ready to take on the responsibility.’’

Cowboys coach Paul Green also feels Sims is ready for greater responsibility, promoting him to the starting team for Saturday’s clash with the Warriors in Townsville.

The Cowboys’ starting backrow of Sims, Jason Taumalolo and Gavin Cooper is one of the NRL’s best.

A two-time NSW Country Origin player, Sims will wear the No.13 jersey for the first time in his career on Saturday night.

His status as an interchange weapon has been upgraded, with his run of 10 straight matches as a bench forward ending.

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Normally an edge backrower, Sims will patrol the middle third of the field with Glenn Hall dropping back to the bench.

Joel Riethmuller, who started in the No.13 in Round 1, will play for the Northern Pride against the PNG Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup.

Green said Sims would add punch to a pack that overpowered the Broncos but failed to lay a good enough platform for their playmakers to secure a victory.

“I think Tariq can be really good for us in the middle and really tighten us up,” Green said.

“I thought his defensive work’s been good and he’s certainly worrying teams when he’s carrying the footy.

“He runs a great line and he’s got good footwork, so that can certainly help us carrying the ball through the middle this week.’’