NRL 2016: Tariq Sims agrees to three-year deal with St George Illawarra

TARIQ Sims has agreed to a three-year deal with St George Illawarra due to commence next season, but he could find himself at the Dragons sooner.

THE Dragons have won the battle for Tariq Sims with the former Cowboys back-rower agreeing to a three-year deal worth $1.2 million.

St George Illawarra and Manly were vying for Sims’ services after the NSW Origin hopeful advised Newcastle teammates he will not be taking up an option to stay at the Knights next season.

But Sims has opted for the Dragons, who were initially linked with the 26-year-old two years ago when the hard-running back-rower quit the Cowboys for family reasons.

Tariq Sims has opted to join the Dragons. Picture: Darren England.

The Dragons are expected to formally announce his signing in the next 24 hours.

It is understood Sims’ deal with the Dragons is worth around $400,000 annually. The three-year term is due to commence next season, but Sims could find himself at the Dragons sooner if he wants out now and the clubs can broker a subsidised deal.

Reports suggest Newcastle’s clash against the Eels on Monday night will be Sims’ final game for the embattled club.

The back-rower, who was 18th man for the Blues in last season’s final Origin game, has been mulling over his future for more than a month with the option of a new one-year deal in his favour set to expire in the next 24 hours.

Sims joined the Knights from North Queensland at the start of 2015 and he and his young family bought a house in Newcastle.

Tariq Sims joined Newcastle in 2015. Picture: Mark Evans

The former Cowboys rookie of the year in 2011 admitted earlier in the season he was keen to stay long-term to help the club rebuild under Newcastle coach Nathan Brown.

But it is understood the security of a long-term deal at the Dragons, ironically coach Brown’s former club, was a major factor in his decision to leave.

Originally published as NRL 2016: Tariq Sims agrees to three-year deal with St George Illawarra