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Korbin Sims
Korbin Sims
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Korbin Sims (born 2 January 1992) is a former Fiji international rugby league footballer who last played as a prop, loose forward and second-row forward for Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League.

Key Information

He previously played for the Newcastle Knights, Brisbane Broncos and the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL.

Background

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Sims was born in Gerringong, New South Wales, Australia, and is of Fijian descent.[2] Sims is the younger brother of St. George Illawarra Dragons player Tariq Sims and former player Ashton Sims. His elder sister Ruan Sims played for the Australian women's team in 2010 and 2015.[3]

Playing career

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Early years

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Sims played his junior football for the Gerringong Lions and Wests Panthers before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos, along with his brothers, Ashton and Tariq in 2008. Sims played for the Queensland U16's and U18's teams.[4] He played for the Broncos NYC team in 2010, playing alongside his brother Tariq, scoring 2 tries in 9 games.[5] In 2011, Sims joined the Newcastle Knights, playing in the NYC team in 2011 and 2012, scoring 14 tries in 40 games.[5]

Sims playing for the Knights in 2012

In 2012, Sims was named at prop in the inaugural Under 20's State of Origin match for Queensland,[6] but withdrew due to a broken hand. Sims was named at prop in the 2012 Toyota Cup Team of the Year.[7] On 2 October 2012, Sims was named at second-row in the Junior Kangaroos team to face the Junior Kiwis.[8]

2013

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In Round 3 of the 2013 NRL season, Sims made his NRL debut for the Newcastle club against the North Queensland Cowboys off the interchange bench, playing against his brother Ashton in Newcastle's 34–6 win at Hunter Stadium.[9]

On 3 June, Sims re-signed with the Newcastle side on a two-year contract after rejecting offers from North Queensland and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.[10] Sims made 12 appearances for the season. He was selected in the Fiji 24-man squad along his brothers Ashton and Tariq for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup,[11] playing in 3 matches and scoring a try in his Fiji international debut against Ireland in the 32–14 win at Spotland Stadium.[12]

2014

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In Round 7 against the Brisbane Broncos, Sims scored his first NRL career try in Newcastle's 32–6 loss at Hunter Stadium.[13] In May, Sims played for Fiji in the 2014 Pacific Test. Fiji lost the test match 32–16, but Korbin stole the limelight with a massive shot on Samoan opponent Isaac Liu.[14] Sims finished the year with him playing in 20 matches and scoring 2 tries.

2015

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In the pre-season, Sims played for Newcastle in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines.[15] On 13 March, he again re-signed with the Newcastle outfit on a two-year contract.[16]

On 2 May, he played for Fiji against Papua New Guinea in the 2015 Melanesian Cup.[17][18]

On 10 May, Sims groped the genitals of opposition player and former teammate Willie Mason, an action described by Rugby League writer Brad Walter as being "infantile", "bizarre and offensive", and worthy of punishment due to the potential for the incident to portray the NRL in a distasteful and damaging light.[19] Despite some rugby league reporters calling for harsh disciplinary action as a result of the incident,[19] Mason was unperturbed, stating that he found the incident "hilarious."[20] Sims received a warning from the NRL match review committee.[20] Sims apologized for any offence caused to those who were watching the game and described it as a "harmless gesture between two friends."[20]

On 10 June, Sims was named as 20th-man for the Queensland team for game 2 of the 2015 State of Origin series. In the same match, his brother, Tariq, was named as 19th-man for New South Wales.[21] However, neither of them played in the match. Sims finished off the 2015 season having played in 22 matches and scoring two tries.[22]

2016

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On 12 January, Sims was selected in the QAS Emerging Maroons squad.[23] In February, he played for the Knights in the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines.[24] He finished the 2016 season having played in 22 matches and scoring three tries.[25] In October, he played for Fiji against Samoa, starting at lock in the 20–18 win at Apia Park.[26]

2017

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In January, Sims signed a two-year contract with the Brisbane Broncos starting effective immediately, after being released from the final year of his Knights contract.[27][28]

He made his Brisbane debut in round 1 of the 2017 season, starting at prop against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, in Brisbane's 26–18 win at Shark Park.[29] In round 6 against the Sydney Roosters, he scored his first try for the Brisbane club in their 32–8 win at Suncorp Stadium.[30] On 6 May 2017, Sims played for Fiji against Tonga in the 2017 Pacific Cup, starting at lock in Fiji's 26–24 loss at Campbelltown Stadium.[31]

In Round 25 against the Parramatta Eels, Sims suffered a season ending arm injury in Brisbane's 52–34 loss at Suncorp Stadium, later ruining his chances to play for Fiji in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.[32][33] Sims finished the 2017 NRL season with him playing in 22 matches and scoring 5 tries for the Brisbane club.

2018

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In Round 2, in Brisbane's Queensland derby match against the North Queensland Cowboys, Sims played his 100th NRL career match in the 24–20 win at Suncorp Stadium.[34][35]

On 18 July, Sims signed a three-year deal to join the St. George Illawarra Dragons starting in 2019.[36] On 9 September, Sims endured a horror afternoon on the field against his future side St. George Illawarra as his brother Tariq ran past him on three occasions to score a hat-trick in the club's 48–18 defeat in week one of the finals eliminating Brisbane from the competition.[37]

2019

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Sims made his debut for St. George Illawarra against his former club the Brisbane Broncos scoring a try in a 25–24 victory at Suncorp Stadium. The following week, Sims was taken from the field with what was later to be revealed as a broken arm. Sims had remained on the field for a further 15 minutes after breaking his arm despite being in obvious discomfort. Sims was later ruled out for 8 weeks.[38]

Sims made a total of 16 appearances for St. George Illawarra in the 2019 NRL season as the club suffered one of their worst ever seasons finishing in 15th place on the table.[39]

2020

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On 15 February, Sims suffered a broken arm whilst playing for St. George Illawarra in the pre-season NRL Nines tournament against Parramatta. Sims was seen by cameras leaving the field in emotional distress.[40]

Sims was limited to only five games throughout the season as St. George Illawarra finished 13th on the table and missed out on the finals.[41]

In November 2020, Sims signed a two-year deal with Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League.[42][43]

2021

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Sims played 14 games for Hull Kingston Rovers in the 2021 Super League season as the club came within one game of the grand final.

2022

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On 29 August, it was announced that Sims would be one of eleven players who were to depart Hull Kingston Rovers at the end of the 2022 season.[44] On 30 August, Sims was suspended for three matches by the RFL. On the same day, Sims announced his retirement from Rugby League.[45] Sims later came out of retirement to play for Fiji at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Sims played for Fiji in their controversial quarter final loss to New Zealand at the MKM Stadium. After the match, Sims announced his retirement for a second time.[46]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Korbin Sims (born 2 January 1992) is a former professional footballer who represented at the international level and played primarily as a , second-row, or loose forward during a club career that spanned the and the British . Born in , , Sims came from a prominent family, with brothers Ashton and , cousin , and sister all involved in the sport at professional levels. His career highlights include debuting in the NRL with the in 2013, where he played 76 games and scored 7 tries between 2013 and 2016, before moving to the for 44 appearances from 2017 to 2018. Sims continued his NRL tenure with the in 2019 and 2020, featuring in 21 matches and contributing to the team's forward pack alongside his brother . In 2021, he transitioned to the , signing with (Hull KR), where he made 29 appearances over two seasons and helped the club in their push for playoffs. Internationally, Sims earned 12 caps for between 2013 and 2022, including participation in the 2013 and 2022 s, where he scored 2 tries across 6 World Cup games and played a key role in the Bati's competitive performances. After announcing his retirement, he was called back to represent in the 2022 . His international debut came in 2013 during the against . Across 170 club appearances, Sims recorded 19 tries and demonstrated strong tackling and running capabilities, with a career win rate of approximately 41% in the NRL and 45% in the . He announced his retirement on 30 August 2022 at the age of 30, shortly before a scheduled Hull KR derby against , citing a desire to step away after a solid professional journey that included overcoming injuries and suspensions. Sims' legacy endures through his family ties in the and his contributions to Fijian rugby league's growing prominence on the world stage.

Background

Family and heritage

Korbin Sims was born on 2 January 1992 in Gerringong, New South Wales, Australia. He is of Fijian descent through his mother, Jacqueline Sims, who was born in Fiji and raised a family deeply immersed in rugby league. Sims grew up in a rugby-focused household in Gerringong, alongside his four siblings, in a modest three-bedroom cottage where sport was central to daily life. His parents, Jacqueline—a former WNBL basketball player—and Peter, who worked multiple jobs to support the family, enforced a strict routine of early mornings, training, study, and competition, with a backyard pitch serving as an impromptu training ground. This environment, emphasizing resilience, fairness, and a love for the game over material rewards, profoundly shaped Sims' early involvement in rugby league, as all five siblings pursued elite-level athletic careers. His siblings include brothers Ashton Sims, a former NRL player who represented the and internationally before retiring in 2019, and Tariq Sims, a former NRL player for the and international who retired in 2025 after stints with the and . His sisters, Ruan Sims, a former Australian women's international who played for the and Cronulla , and later transitioned into coaching and player advocacy roles, and Canecia Sims, a former women's international and Australian gridiron representative. Additionally, Sims is cousins with Reagan Campbell-Gillard, an NRL prop who played for the Gold Coast Titans in 2025 and has represented both and internationally.

Early rugby involvement

Korbin Sims began his journey in the junior ranks with the Gerringong Lions, competing in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven-based competition on the south coast. As a promising forward from a rugby league-oriented family, Sims honed his skills in this local environment, where he played alongside his brothers and developed the physicality that would define his career. At the age of 16, Sims was identified by the and integrated into their development system, initially training and competing in lower-tier junior squads as a second-rower. This move marked his entry into a structured professional pathway, exposing him to higher-level coaching and competition away from his hometown. However, seeking greater opportunities, Sims was released from the Dragons' program and signed with the ahead of the 2011 season. With the Knights' National Youth Competition (NYC) side, Sims established himself as a key performer from 2011 to 2012, appearing in 40 games and scoring 14 tries while primarily operating in the second row. His consistent contributions culminated in selection to the 2012 NYC Team of the Year, recognizing his impact in a competitive field of emerging talents. This period solidified his transition toward senior rugby, leading to his promotion within the Knights' organization for the 2013 NRL season.

Club career

Newcastle Knights

Korbin Sims signed with the ahead of the 2011 season after progressing through the ' NYC system. He made his NRL debut in Round 3 of the 2013 season on 25 March against the at Hunter Stadium, entering from the interchange bench as a second-rower in the Knights' 34–6 victory. During the 2013 season, Sims featured in 12 games for , establishing himself as a reliable member of the forward pack with strong defensive contributions and consistent minutes off the bench. Although he did not score any tries that year, his work rate helped solidify the team's middle third as they reached series. In 2014, Sims transitioned primarily to the position, playing 20 games and crossing for 2 tries, including his first NRL try in Round 7 against the during a 32–6 loss. His development in the front row was notable, with increased involvement in carry metres and offloads, contributing to the Knights' improved forward rotation. Discussions around his future led to a extension in March 2015, securing him at the club until the end of 2016. In 2015, Sims remained a mainstay in the Knights' forward pack, appearing in 22 games and scoring 2 tries. The team struggled overall, finishing 15th on the ladder, but Sims provided consistent minutes and go-forward in the middle. During the 2016 season, Sims played 22 matches, crossing for 3 tries as the Knights improved marginally to finish 11th. His reliability in the prop role continued to be a key asset for the club's forward rotation. Over his time with the Knights from 2013 to 2016, Sims appeared in 76 games and scored 7 tries, laying the foundation for his NRL career.

Brisbane Broncos

In January 2017, Korbin Sims signed a two-year contract with the after being released from the final year of his deal with the , marking a return to the club where he had begun his junior career. Primarily deployed as a with occasional stints at lock, Sims quickly established himself as a versatile forward in Brisbane's pack, contributing to the team's competitive edge through reliable minutes off the bench and in the . During the 2017 season, Sims featured in 22 games for the Broncos, scoring 5 tries, and played a key role in the forward rotation as Brisbane reached the finals, finishing fifth before a qualifying final loss to . His consistent performances, including strong runs and defensive efforts, helped solidify the team's middle third, with notable tries against sides like the and Manly Sea Eagles. In , Sims maintained his reliability, appearing in another 22 matches and adding 4 tries, while reaching his 100th NRL career game in a 24–20 victory over the in Round 3. As a core part of the Broncos' forward pack, he averaged around 60 minutes per game, supporting Brisbane's push to another finals appearance, where they fell in the semi-finals to Cronulla. Over his two seasons with the Broncos, Sims played 44 games and scored 9 tries, demonstrating mid-career consistency and adaptability in a high-pressure environment. In mid-2018, he was granted a release from the final year of his contract to join the , allowing him to relocate closer to family, including his brother , already at the club.

St. George Illawarra Dragons

In July 2018, Korbin Sims signed a three-year contract with the , commencing in the and enabling him to reunite with his brother , who was already a key forward for the club. During the 2019 season, Sims established himself as a reliable member of the Dragons' forward pack, appearing in 16 matches and scoring 2 tries while contributing to the team's successful campaign that saw them finish fifth and qualify for the semi-finals. His performances highlighted his experience as a and second-rower, helping to bolster the forward rotation. The 2020 season proved more difficult for Sims, as he was restricted to just 5 appearances due to a fracture suffered during the tournament in February, which required surgery, compounded by the league-wide disruptions from the that shortened and altered the schedule. In November 2020, the Dragons released Sims from the final year of his contract, allowing him to pursue opportunities abroad. Over his two seasons with the Dragons, Sims played 21 games and scored 2 tries, emphasizing the familial aspect of playing alongside while providing consistent go-forward in the forwards during a transitional period for the team.

Hull Kingston Rovers

In November 2020, Korbin Sims signed a two-year contract with in the , joining the club as a prop forward from the . The move marked his transition to European rugby, where he aimed to bring his NRL experience of over 140 games to bolster the Rovers' forward pack. During the , Sims adapted to the overseas competition by playing 14 games for Hull KR, contributing to a strong campaign that saw the club finish fifth and reach the semi-finals. His physical presence in the front row helped stabilize the team's defense and ball-carrying efforts, though he did not score any tries that year. In 2022, Sims featured in 18 matches, scoring his sole try for the club in a victory over . On 30 August 2022, at the age of 30, he announced his retirement from professional at the end of the season, stating it felt like the right time personally. His intended farewell was to be the Hull derby against , but a three-match suspension for contact with a match official prevented this, effectively closing his club career earlier than planned. Over two seasons with , Sims made 32 appearances and scored 1 try. Across his entire professional career in the NRL and , he accumulated 173 games and 19 tries.

International career

World Cup appearances

Korbin Sims made his international debut for at the , where he featured in three group stage matches alongside his brothers Ashton and . He scored his first international try during 's 32-14 victory over at Spotland Stadium in , contributing to a strong performance that saw the Bati secure a convincing win in their second pool game. Sims also played in the 0-34 loss to and 's 12-34 defeat to , helping the team finish third in Group A without advancing to the knockout stages. Although selected in Fiji's squad for the 2017 , Sims was ruled out due to failing a medical examination and did not make any appearances in the tournament. Sims returned to represent at the delayed 2021 , held in 2022, shortly after announcing his from club rugby at age 30. He played three matches for the Bati, who reached the quarter-finals before an 18-24 loss to . In the group stage, Sims featured as a prop in the 60-4 thrashing of and scored a try in the 30-14 win over at in Hull, powering over in the second half to seal the victory. He also started against in the quarter-final at in Hull, where Fiji's spirited effort fell just short despite leading at halftime. Across his two World Cup tournaments, Sims appeared in six games for , scoring two tries and embodying the family legacy in representing the Bati alongside his siblings in .

Test matches

Korbin Sims earned 6 caps for the Fiji Bati in test matches between 2013 and 2019, scoring 1 try during his non-World Cup international career. His involvement in non-World Cup fixtures began in 2014 with the Pacific Test against , where Fiji suffered a 16-32 defeat despite Sims delivering a standout hit on opponent Penani Manumalealii that drew widespread attention. This match marked his first bilateral test appearance following his World Cup debut the previous year. Between 2013 and 2016, Sims featured in several key Pacific Tests, including a hard-fought 20-18 victory over in 2016 at , where Fiji staged a remarkable comeback from an 18-0 deficit to secure the win. He also played against in 2015, contributing to Fiji's efforts in a competitive encounter that highlighted the growing rivalry in Pacific . These early tests established Sims as a reliable forward for the Bati, with his and defensive work becoming hallmarks of his representative play. From 2018 to 2019, Sims participated in the Pacific Test series, including a dominant 58-14 win over in June 2019 at , where he started in the front row and helped anchor Fiji's forward pack in a record-breaking . The period from 2020 to 2021 saw limited opportunities for test matches due to the , which disrupted international schedules and confined Fiji's representative play to domestic preparations. Sims' final pre-World Cup tests occurred in 2019, capping a period of consistent selection that underscored his importance to the team. Over his 6 test appearances, Sims recorded 1 try, contributing to Fiji's competitive performances while exemplifying the Bati's blend of NRL talent and Pacific passion.

Post-playing career

Retirement

Korbin Sims announced his retirement from professional on 30 August 2022, at the age of 30, after a decade-long career spanning the NRL and . The decision, made several months earlier, was driven by his wish to prioritize family life—particularly spending time with his young son after years of being apart—and to spare his body from additional injuries after numerous setbacks. Although he had planned for the Hull KR vs. on 3 September 2022 to serve as his farewell club match, a three-match ban for misconduct in a prior game forced an earlier end to his club tenure, with his last appearance coming in Hull KR's victory over on 29 August. Over his professional career, Sims appeared in 173 club games, comprising 141 in the NRL for the , , and , alongside 32 appearances for (29 in the and 3 in the ), during which he scored 19 tries. Internationally, he earned 12 caps for , contributing to their efforts in multiple World Cups and test series. In reflecting on his retirement, Sims expressed deep gratitude to the clubs that shaped his career, the players and staff he worked alongside, the supporters who backed him, and above all, his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey. He revealed no immediate plans beyond returning home to focus on fatherhood, emphasizing satisfaction with closing his playing days on his own terms.

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional rugby league in 2022, Korbin Sims transitioned into within Queensland's community leagues. On 30 December 2024, he was appointed of the West Arana Hills RLFC Open Men's Division One team for the 2025 season, marking his first senior role at the club level. In this position, Sims focuses on player development in the Brisbane competition, leveraging his extensive experience as a forward in the NRL and to mentor emerging talent. The role builds on his prior involvement with the club during the 2024 season, where he demonstrated strong commitment through on-field contributions. Sims' entry into coaching draws from a family legacy in the sport, notably his sister , a prominent figure who has served as head coach of the Cronulla Sharks' NSW Women's Premiership team in 2023 and assistant coach for the NSW side in 2024. The appointment aims to drive success for West Arana Hills in the 2025 campaign, emphasizing skill-building and team cohesion at the community level.

Nines participation

After retiring from professional in 2022, Korbin Sims made a one-off return to competitive play in the format by debuting for the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) squad in the 2025 . The tournament, held on 25–26 January 2025 at Tugun Leagues Club on the Gold Coast, featured Sims as one of 11 debutants in a 19-player squad that also included eight returning players. Coached by Tom Symonds, the RLPA team played multiple matches, with all games broadcast live on . Sims' participation represented a transitional activity rather than a full comeback, emphasizing enjoyment and support for the RLPA's initiatives for past and current players. The RLPA demonstrated notable improvement over previous years, advancing to the trophy semi-finals before being eliminated by a that reached the grand final, though specific individual statistics for Sims, such as tries or tackles, were not highlighted in event coverage.

References

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