Cowboy big man Tariq Sims in hospital following pre-season boot camp drama

A TEAM bonding and fitness exercise ended in a rushed trip to hospital for Cowboys star Tariq Sims.

A TEAM bonding and fitness exercise ended in a rushed trip to hospital for Cowboys star Tariq Sims.

North Queensland's big backrower had to be taken from a 36-hour army-style boot camp at Lavarack Barracks to Townsville Hospital on Wednesday night after suffering from dehydration.

Cowboys sources said Sims had responded well to treatment and was fine yesterday.

However it is understood he did not return to the camp.

Players, coaches and management did not have their phones as part of the exercise and could not be contacted for comment.

North Queensland chief executive Peter Jourdain confirmed from Sydney that Sims had been taken to hospital with dehydration.

"It is my understanding that did happen," he said. "But he's going to be fine. I don't know any more details, but he is going to be fine."

Cowboys pre-season - Tariq Sims

Before he went off-line on Tuesday, 22-year-old New South Welshman Sims tweeted: "(See) u all later in 36 hrs got an army camp on! Wish me luck!!! Ahhh miss my phone already hahaha."

Sims has excelled so far this pre-season as he makes his comeback from a second leg break that ruined his 2012 campaign.

The Country Origin player and younger brother of fellow Cowboy Ashton has left no stone unturned on and off the field in ensuring he gets back to the destructive form that saw him explode on to the NRL season last year.

The camp marked the Cowboys' final act of 2012 pre-season before a two-week break.

North Queensland coach Neil Henry said he had been pleased with how his charges had handled a testing start to their next campaign.

"It's been a tough five weeks, it's not finished yet but the boys are looking forward to a two-week break," he said. "I can't fault their attitude for the training."