Newcastle Knights enforcer Tariq Sims to clean up his act

HE is one of the most destructive forwards in rugby league, yet Tariq Sims admits he will have to be “squeaky clean’’ when he returns from suspension.

Tariq Sims warms up before Knights training. Picture by Peter Lorimer

HE is one of the most destructive forwards in rugby league, yet Tariq Sims admits he will have to be “squeaky clean’’ when he returns from his latest suspension.

Sims will miss the opening five weeks of the Newcastle Knights’ campaign because of a shoulder charge suspension he picked up in the final round of last season.

A separate shoulder charge in the 2014 elimination final on Justin Hodges, who refused to shake his hand after the game, forced Sims to skip the first month of last season.

Having racked up 10 weeks worth of suspensions — and now becoming a marked man in the eyes of the match review committee — Sims has used his pre-season to tidy up his defensive skills.

The last thing he wants is to be remembered as a thug who continually ironed out blokes out with his broad shoulders.

Another shoulder charge will mean a 100 per cent loading, which doubles any base penalty.

Due back for the round six clash against the Wests Tigers at home, Sims will prove a huge asset for the Knights — and NSW — provided he can stay on the park.

“I know better than anyone I have to be squeaky clean when I come back, I know I’ve got a track record, and it’s not something I want to be known for,’’ Sims told The Daily Telegraph.

“I certainly don’t want to miss any more games than I already have.

“It’s not fair on the club or our fans, it’s hurting myself by sitting on sidelines, but more importantly my teammates.

“Obviously when you get fatigued you make mistakes, and while you don’t go out to hurt anyone or maim anyone, I need to work on my decisions, and work out whether I’m hitting on the ball or at their legs.

“I’ve been working with our coaching staff after training, I might do a couple of hits on the pads, just honing those skills so they become second nature.’’

The Knights will need all the help they can get this season with most judges predicting they’ll collect the wooden spoon.

Sims said there was plenty to like about Newcastle’s forward pack, with his brother Korbin one of the few standouts for the club last season and 193cm, 120kg recruit Pauli Pauli has already made his presence felt.

“I was lucky enough to pull his name out of the hat for his first wrestling session, and he squashed me pretty early,’’ Sims said.

Sam Mataora had also impressed, while Sims said to keep an eye out for teenage twins Daniel and Jacob Saifiti.

Sims was named 18th man for the Blues last year, and that call-up has only made him hungrier to push for higher honours.

He had hoped to trial against Canberra last weekend, only to be called back home when his fiancee, Ashleigh, thought she was about to deliver their second daughter. It was a false alarm, with Ashleigh attending the NRL launch with Sims on Thursday in case there was a repeat scare.

Originally published as Newcastle Knights enforcer Tariq Sims to clean up his act