Tariq Sims has told the Cowboys he is unsettled in Townsville and wants to quit the club

TARIQ Sims has dropped a bombshell on the Cowboys by telling officials he is unsettled in Townsville and wants to quit the club.

Tariq Sims takes a hit-up for the Cowboys in a clash against the Titans.

TARIQ Sims has told Cowboys officials he is unsettled in Townsville and is weighing up the prospect of quitting the club.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Sims faces an uncertain future at the Cowboys after the blockbusting back-rower privately detailed his grievances to Cowboys management over the past fortnight.

Sims, 24, held the latest round of talks with Cowboys officials on Thursday. He has not yet formally asked for a release, but has confessed he is struggling to settle in Townsville and has discussed a return to his family in Sydney with partner Ashleigh.

Tariq Sims takes a hit-up for the Cowboys in a clash against the Titans.

The Cowboys are doing everything possible to accommodate Sims but accept the NSW Origin hopeful could be lost to the club at season’s end.

It is understood the Dragons and Sharks St George Illawarra and Cronulla have been sounded out as potential homes for next season. Canberra are also aware of Sims’ situation, but are unlikely to be a genuine contender for his signature given the Sims family’s preference to live in Sydney.

The issue could reach its climax as early as next week, with the parties having ongoing discussions as to whether the forward will honour the final year of his current deal next season.

Tariq Sims during a Cowboys training session.

Cowboys football manager Peter Parr was tight-lipped when contacted last night, but confirmed the club is in delicate dialogue with Sims.

“I’ve had discussions with Tariq and they will remain between him and I,’’ Parr said.

“There are some issues to work through with Tariq but it’s a club policy not to talk about player’s private affairs.

“It’s important to point out Tariq has not asked for a release.’’

Sims’ partner and model Ashleigh Sudholz is particularly struggling with life in Townsville and is keen to live in Sydney.

Tariq Sims takes a water break during a Cowboys training session.

The couple celebrated the birth of their first child Lakia Kai last month.

North Queensland have been loyal to Sims, supporting him through two broken legs in 2011-12, but are prepared to broker a release if the back-rower formally requests one.

A Sydney-based recruitment chief said last night a host of NRL rivals would be lining up to secure Sims.

“He’s one of the game’s best young forwards,’’ he said. “If Tariq Sims went on the market tomorrow, there would be a stack of clubs going after him.’’