Tariq Sims to be eased back in by North Queensland Cowboys

LUCKLESS Cowboy Tariq Sims will this season be eased back into a side not expecting miracles from the highly-rated backrower.

LUCKLESS Cowboy Tariq Sims will this season be eased back into a North Queensland side not expecting miracles from the highly-rated backrower.

Once considered the NRL's next great ball-running forward, the 22-year-old enters his third top flight campaign hoping for a change in fortunes after two broken legs in as many seasons.

Sims fractured the tibia and fibula in his left leg in 2011, but still went on to claim the NRL's Rookie of the Year gong.

Unbelievably, after just seven matches last year he copped the same horrific injury, again shattering his NSW Origin hopes.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry today admitted the twin blows had taken their toll on the 106kg wrecking ball, who may be restricted to limited match time in the trials in a bid to guarantee he stays on the field for the season proper.

"He's getting there,'' Henry said.

"I wouldn't say he's got all of his speed back but coming into the trials we're hoping he'll get there.

"The way he's been training has been very good. But he may be a little bit apprehensive at first as he gets his confidence back.''

Sims has long been considered a ready-made Origin star and could prove a valuable asset as the Blues search for answers to Queensland's dominance.

Henry, who was previously part of the Maroons' coaching set-up under Mal Meninga, admitted he knew the talent he had at his disposal.

"If Tariq could rediscover the same form he had prior to that first break, that would be the goal,'' he said.

"But we can't expect miracles and he's going to keep coming along slowly.''