NRL 2021: NSW Origin forward Tariq Sims opens up on sibling criticism of his selection

The Sims family from Gerringong has five children. That one of them will be supporting Queensland in this year’s Origin series is ‘unfortunate and weird’.

Tariq Sims has no problem with you questioning his NSW Origin selection.

Or even saying he doesn’t belong.

“Because the hate,” he cackles, “is even coming from Hull”.

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Tariq Sims was part of the Blkues triumph back in 2019.

Specifically, younger brother Korbin.

That now English Super League player who, for reasons known only to himself, is the sole member of five Sims siblings who, despite all being born in Gerringong, still considers himself a Queenslander.

“But what can you do?” the NSW backrower shrugs. “I just shake my head.”

So as for what Sims makes of those detractors not related by blood then?

Understanding that of all the Blues players coach Brad Fittler has picked for next Wednesday’s Origin opener in Townsville, none have had their position questioned more — in front bars, by water coolers or right across the Twittersphere — than this tattooed St George Illawarra backrower.

For some, Sims selection has been likened to that Winter Olympic gold medal of skater Steven Bradbury.

With the analogy being that Sims is only here after a host of other NSW contenders — think Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton and Tyson Frizell — fell through either injury or suspension.

Others too, reckon Luciano Leilua has been robbed.

With fans of the Wests Tigers powerhouse pointing to Fox Sports statistics which, undeniably, show him outplaying Sims this year.

Brother Korbin is a Maroons fan.

Indeed, if a Blues team were picked on numbers, Leilua is in.

But Origin doesn’t roll that way. Never has.

With history covered in the carcasses of those whose strong NRL numbers, come Origin time, had the decimal points ripped right out of them.

Know too that Fittler is longtime fan of the toughness and fight in Sims.

A fella who not only survived consecutive broken legs, but then kept the four metal screws, once removed, as a reminder of his journey.

Also in his favour, the Dragons backrower has represented NSW twice before.

With his most recent appearance, off the bench in 2019, a strong 25 minutes where he churned through 74m, three tackle busts, 15 tackles, even earned a line break assist.

Down in Wollongong, Sims is also averaging more tackles a game than ever in his career.

While in attack his 92m, undeniably down on many rivals, is also nothing too alarming for a fella whose career high was 103m in 2015.

“So I don’t consider myself a smokey selection,” Sims insists. “But if that’s what people are saying, it’s fine. They’re entitled to an opinion.”

Even those who say your form doesn’t deserve selection?

“I don’t play footy thinking about whether I deserve to be in Origin or not,” he said. “I’m just super grateful to be here.

“Don’t want to let anyone down.

“And the support base I have around me, the way the Dragons coaching staff have helped me tremendously this year, I think being back in the Blues squad now really is testament to all of them.”

Which again, may not impress everyone.

But that’s OK.

Especially when you know how even little brother will be cheering against him.

Sims says his brother’s allegiance to the Maroons is unfortunate.

Which got us wondering exactly how state lines can run through a family lounge room, leaving one of five siblings a Queenslander?

“Nah, there’s no Queenslanders in our family,” Sims deadpans. “There’s Ruan, Ashton, CJ and myself.”

So no Korbin?

“We’ve disowned him,” the Blues backrower grins of the brother who is already texting pro-Queensland messages.

So it’s serious then?

“Oh, it’s definitely serious,” he continues. “And why Korbin chooses to align with Queensland, who knows?

“At the end of the day, he’s my brother.

“And I know he loves me.

“But his alliance with Queensland, it’s unfortunate.

“And weird.”

Elsewhere, you should know Fittler is also a big supporter of Sims, the man.

A fella who, unbeknown to most of his Origin teammates, is in regular contact with a large number of families, and children, whose health battles are far too numerous to mention here.

It is work for which Sims wants no publicity.

Just as it isn’t aligned with either club or NRL.

But know more than simply reaching out to these sick kids, or staying in regular contact, Sims also researches each individual’s illness to ensure he can be best prepared for that next personal phone call.

“Because it’s one thing to ring up and say ‘hey, hope you’re doing well’,” he says. “But it’s also really important to ask questions.

“Important you understand what they’re going through, what treatments they’re undertaking and what issues their family might be dealing with.

Sims has started the season strongly with the Dragons.

“That way, you’ll also have a better understanding of how the child is feeling at certain times of their treatment, too.”

Asked about the initial catalyst for his work, Sims continued: “My upbringing is part of it.

But it’s also got to do with the fact that when (older brother) Ashton was playing at the Dragons, I was 12.

“And I still remember walking through the sheds with him, getting to rub shoulders with guys like Trent Barrett, Shaun Timmins, Mark Riddell, Matt Cooper, Wes Naiqama; every one of them would say hello to me.

“It was only a couple of words. Only took a few seconds from their day.

“But those memories are still with me now, almost 20 years on.

“So I understand the imprint you can leave on someone.”

Which in the case of young lives battling real illness, can also lead to heartache, too.

“And there are those times, definitely,” he says.

“But I’ve also got the opportunity to be the driving force in a kid’s life.

“And when you know how good they’ll feel when you call, or when even your message pops up on their phone, mate, why wouldn’t you do it?”

Originally published as NRL 2021: NSW Origin forward Tariq Sims opens up on sibling criticism of his selection