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Tariq Sims
Tariq Sims
Tariq Sims
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Tariq Sims (born 9 February 1990) is a Fiji international retired rugby league footballer who played as a Second-row, Loose forward and Prop for the Catalans Dragons in the Super League.

Key Information

He previously played for the North Queensland Cowboys, Newcastle Knights, St. George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm in the NRL, and at representative level for New South Wales Country and New South Wales in the State of Origin series.[2]

Early career

[edit]
Sims playing for the Brisbane Broncos' NYC team in 2009

Sims was born in Gerringong, New South Wales, Australia. He was educated at Kiama High School.

He played junior football in his home town of Gerringong, New South Wales, before moving to Queensland, where he played in the NYC for the Brisbane Broncos from 2008 to 2010. He was initially a winger, but was told by the Broncos to put on weight and turned into a forward.[3] His brothers, Korbin and Ashton, both played with him at the Broncos at the same time; Ashton was a member of the first-grade squad, while Korbin played NYC with him. Tariq was the 2010 Toyota Cup season's player of the year, but he left the Broncos without playing a first-grade match. He and Ashton joined the North Queensland Cowboys for the 2011 season. Upon leaving the Broncos, he praised the club's youth system for his development as a player, saying that he was leaving only to get the opportunity to play first-grade football.[4]

Playing career

[edit]

2011–2014: North Queensland Cowboys

[edit]

In round 2 of the 2011 NRL season, Sims made his NRL debut for North Queensland against the Newcastle Knights off the interchange bench in the Cowboys 34–22 loss at 1300SMILES Stadium.[5][6]

In Sims' next match in round 3 against the Melbourne Storm, he scored his first NRL career try in North Queensland's 34–6 win at 1300SMILES Stadium.[7] In round 13 against the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium, Sims scored a double in the match. One of the tries was the longest try scored by a North Queensland forward by running 45m to score in the Cowboys comeback 40–24 win after trailing 22–0 after 21 minutes of the match.[8] In Round 25 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Sims' season ended when he broke his leg in the Cowboys 28–20 win.[9]

Despite his curtailed season, Sims was a finalist in the best rookie and best second-rower categories of the Dally M Awards.[10] During the year, Sims was invited to join the New South Wales State of Origin team during training. Sims finished his stellar debut year in the NRL with him playing in 20 matches and scoring 5 tries. On 8 September 2011, Sims re-signed with North Queensland on a four-year contract to the end of the 2015 season.[11] On 2 November 2011, Sims was shortlisted for the Rugby League International Federation's Second Rower of the Year award.[12]

After breaking his leg early in 2012, Sims returned in Round 5 to play in the Cowboys 22–6 victory over the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium. Sims came off the bench in the second half and put in a memorable performance, performing a big hit on Tom Learoyd-Lahrs in his first few minutes on the field.[13] Sims soon returned to the Cowboys starting line-up.

On 22 April 2012, Sims made his representative debut for NSW Country Origin against NSW City Origin off the interchange bench and scored a double in the 24–22 loss at Mudgee.[14]

Just 7 matches into his comeback from a broken leg, playing against the Penrith Panthers, Sims attempted to save a try but was involved in a freak accident with Penrith back rower Cameron Ciraldo which ended with Sims breaking his leg for a second time in the space of a year and in exactly the same spot as the previous break. The Cowboys went on to win the match 30–28, with Tariq's brother Ashton scoring the match-winning try in the dying minutes of the game.[15]

Sims had a successful surgery which involved a steel rod being inserted into his leg to help with the healing process and to stop another break. He returned to full contact training in the week of the Cowboys' semi-final loss to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Sims played in 7 matches and scored 1 try in 2012. On 21 December, Sims was taken to hospital after suffering from dehydration at North Queensland's off season army-style boot camp at Lavarack Barracks.[16]

In 2013, Sims made his second return from injury in a 28–24 trial victory over his former club Brisbane Broncos on 4 February. He started the match in the second row and had three stints in the game. Impressing coaching staff and full of confidence.[17]

On 21 April, Sims played for NSW Country Origin against NSW City Origin off the interchange bench in the 18–12 win at Coffs Harbour.[18] Sims finished the season with 4 tries from 23 matches.

Sims playing for Fiji in 2013

Qualifying through his mother, Sims was selected in the Fiji squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup alongside his brothers, Ashton and Korbin.[19] He made his international debut for Fiji against Ireland at second-row and scored a try in the 32–14 win at Spotland Stadium.[20] Sims played in 5 matches and scored 1 try in the tournament.

On 4 May 2014, Sims played prop for NSW Country Origin in the 26–26 draw at Dubbo.[21] On 4 July, Sims signed a two-year contract with the Newcastle Knights starting in 2015, where he would join his younger brother Korbin Sims.[22]

On 16 September 2014, Sims missed the rest of the NRL finals series after making a guilty plea for a grade three shoulder charge offence for a second-half incident with Brisbane Broncos fullback Justin Hodges in North Queensland's 32–20 victory in Week 1 of the elimination finals at 1300SMILES Stadium.[23] That match was Sims' last for the Cowboys. The Cowboys were later eliminated in Week 2 by the Sydney Roosters.[24] Sims scored 6 tries in 21 matches in 2014.

2015–2016: Newcastle Knights

[edit]

In round 5 of the 2015 season, Sims made his club debut for the Newcastle Knights against the St. George Illawarra Dragons at second-row in the Knights 13–0 loss at Hunter Stadium.[25][26] On 3 May, Sims played for NSW Country off the interchange bench and scored a try in the 34–22 win at Wagga Wagga.[27]

Sims scored his first club try for the Knights in the 30–10 loss to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Brookvale Oval in Round 9, 2016.[28] On 12 June, Sims was called into the New South Wales Blues squad as cover, being named as 19th man for Game 2 of the 2015 State of Origin series after Dragons forward Tyson Frizell was ruled out from injury. Brother Korbin was named as 20th man for Queensland two days beforehand.[29] Sims finished his first year with the Knights with him playing in 19 matches and scoring 4 tries, as the club collected the wooden spoon.

On 13 January, Sims was named in the emerging New South Wales Blues squad.[30] In February, he co-captained the Knights in the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines.[31][32] On 26 February, he was announced as one of three co-captains for the Knights alongside Trent Hodkinson and Jeremy Smith.[33] On 8 May, for the fifth year in a row, he played for New South Wales Country against New South Wales City.[34] On 31 May, he signed a 3-year contract with the St. George Illawarra Dragons starting in 2017.[35] However, after negotiating over the next month, he was released early to the Dragons mid-season.[36] He played in 8 matches for the Knights that season before the mid-season switch.

2016–2022: St George Illawarra Dragons

[edit]

In round 15 of the 2016 season, he made his club debut for St. George Illawarra against the Melbourne Storm, where he played off the interchange bench in the Dragons' 20–10 win at WIN Stadium.[37]

In 2017, Sims was part of the St. George Illawarra side which finished 9th in the 2017 NRL season despite being in the top 8 for most of the season. A disastrous run of form, culminating in a heart breaking round 26 loss to Canterbury which allowed North Queensland to overtake them into 8th spot, saw them miss out on the finals.[38]

In 2018, Sims was selected as part of The NSW Blues squad for the 2018 State of Origin series.[39] Sims did not feature in the first two games of the series for The Blues but was called into the side for the dead rubber game 3 match in Brisbane.[40] Sims was part of the St George Illawarra side which qualified for the finals in 2018. In week one of the finals, St George Illawarra faced a highly fancied Brisbane side at Suncorp Stadium with not many experts predicting an upset. St George Illawarra ended up surprising many as they won the match 48–18 with Sims scoring 3 tries. The following week, Sims was taken from the field with a knee injury as St George Illawarra were eliminated from the finals series losing 13–12 to South Sydney.[41][42]

Sims was selected for New South Wales in Game 2 of the 2019 State of Origin series which New South Wales won 38–6 at the new Perth Stadium. In round 21 of the 2019 NRL season, Sims scored 2 tries as St George Illawarra defeated the Gold Coast 40–28 at Kogarah Oval.[43][44]

On 12 August, Sims was ruled out for the rest of the season after having groin surgery. Sims had been battling the groin injury for most of the year but decided to undergo surgery as St George Illawarra had been ruled out of finals contention.[45]

He made a total of 9 appearances for St. George Illawarra in the 2020 NRL season as the side finished a disappointing 13th on the table.[46]

In round 4 of the 2021 NRL season, Sims put in a man of the match performance scoring two tries in his side's 22–13 victory over Newcastle.[47]

On 30 May, Sims was selected for game one of the 2021 State of Origin series. He played in all three games as New South Wales won the series 2–1.[48]

Sims played a total of 21 matches for St. George Illawarra in the 2021 NRL season as the club finished 11th on the table and missed out on the finals.[49]

On 22 April, it was announced Sims would join Melbourne in 2023 on a one-year deal. On 29 May, Sims was selected by New South Wales to play in game one of the 2022 State of Origin series.[50] On 19 June, Sims was not selected for the second game of the series after New South Wales lost the opening match 16–10.[51]

In round 17 of the 2022 NRL season, Sims was sin binned twice in 25 minutes during the clubs 32–18 loss against Brisbane.[52] In round 21, Sims was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous high tackle where he knocked out Cronulla's Connor Tracey during St. George Illawarra's 24–18 loss. Sims was later suspended for four matches over the tackle which ended his playing time at St. George Illawarra.[53]

Melbourne Storm

[edit]

Sims played 15 games for Melbourne in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished third on the table. Sims played in Melbourne's preliminary final loss against Penrith.[54]

Catalans Dragons

[edit]

On 28 August 2023, Sims signed a two-year deal to join Super League side the Catalans Dragons.[55] Sims made his club debut for Catalans in round 1 of the 2024 Super League season against Warrington. The following week, he scored two tries for Catalans in their 34-0 victory over the newly promoted London Broncos side.[56]

On 22 September 2025, Sims officially confirmed his retirement from rugby league.[57]

Statistics

[edit]

[58]

Year Team Games Tries Pts
2011 North Queensland Cowboys 20 5 20
2012 7 1 4
2013 23 4 16
2014 21 6 14
2015 Newcastle Knights 19 4 16
2016 St George-Illawarra Dragons 16 2 8
2017 24 3 12
2018 25 10 40
2019 19 3 12
2020 9
2021 21 4 16
2022 17 1 4
2023 Melbourne Storm 13 1 4
2024 Catalans Dragons 22 3 12
2025 13 2 8
Totals 268 49 196

Personal life

[edit]

Sims is married to Ashleigh Sims who is a professional boxer. Sims is the older brother of Korbin Sims, who in 2019 joined him at the St George Illawarra club, and the younger brother of Ashton Sims,[59] who plays for the Toronto Wolfpack. His elder sister Ruan Sims currently plays for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Women's Premiership, while his other sister, Canecia (CJ) has previously played American football (gridiron) for the Gold Coast Stingrays,[60] but in 2019 signed with the Tweed Heads Seagulls rugby league club.[61]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tariq Sims

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tariq Sims (born 9 February 1990) is an Australian-born Fijian former professional rugby league footballer who primarily played as a second-rower and loose forward. He represented Fiji at the international level, including in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, and played six State of Origin matches for New South Wales between 2018 and 2021. Over a 14-year career, Sims appeared in 236 NRL Premiership games and 41 Super League matches before retiring at the end of the 2025 season following his departure from the Catalans Dragons. Born in , to a family with a strong background—his siblings include former NRL players Korbin, Ashton, and —Sims began his junior career with the Gerringong Lions before making his NRL debut with the in 2011. After four seasons with the Cowboys, he moved to the in 2015 and then joined the midway through 2016, where he established himself as a key forward, playing 123 games for the club until 2022. In 2023, Sims signed with the , adding 15 more NRL appearances to his tally and contributing to their Anzac Round victory that year. Sims transitioned to the Super League in 2024 with the Catalans Dragons on a two-year contract, where he played 41 games and scored five tries over two seasons despite the team's ninth-place finish in 2025. At 193 cm and 106 kg, he was known for his powerful running and defensive work rate, earning selections to the Junior Kangaroos and the 2018 NSW squad. Beyond the field, Sims has been a prominent since 2011, serving as a State of Mind Ambassador for the NRL and supporting organizations like the Black Dog Institute and Headspace, drawing from his own experiences with depression. He is a father of two daughters and has campaigned against violence toward women.

Early career

Junior career

Tariq Sims was born on 9 February 1990 in , Australia. Sims developed his early skills in the district, beginning with local club Gerringong Lions before progressing through the junior representative pathways of the . Alongside his younger brother Korbin, he honed his abilities in these competitive youth setups, which served as a key foundation for his athletic development in the sport. In 2008, at the age of 18, Sims relocated to and joined the ' National Youth Competition (NYC) team, where he played 52 games, scored 19 tries, and earned NYC Player of the Year honors in 2010. At the end of 2010, he signed with the ahead of the .

Professional debut

Tariq Sims joined the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of the 2011 NRL season after earning NYC Player of the Year honors in 2010 with the Brisbane Broncos' under-20s side, where he played 52 games and scored 19 tries. This transition marked his entry into professional rugby league as a promising second-rower. Sims made his NRL debut on 20 March 2011, during round 2 against the Newcastle Knights at Dairy Farmers Stadium, coming off the bench as a second-rower in a 22-34 loss. In his debut match, he showed physicality in limited minutes, contributing to the Cowboys' forward efforts despite the defeat. Throughout the 2011 season, Sims adapted swiftly to first-grade demands, featuring in 20 appearances for and scoring 5 tries, including his first NRL try in round 3 against the in a commanding 34-6 victory. His early performances highlighted strong defensive contributions, notably a powerful tackle on halfback in round 11 that underscored his aggressive style and earned widespread attention. Sims' breakout rookie year saw him named a finalist for both NRL Rookie of the Year and Second Rower of the Year awards.

Club career

2011–2014:

Tariq Sims made an immediate impact in his debut NRL season with the in 2011, playing 20 games and scoring 5 tries as a versatile forward transitioning from the club's NYC Under-20s system to . His physical presence and powerful running style contributed to a 60% win rate for the team in those matches, helping establish him as a promising back-rower despite the finishing 12th overall. In 2012, Sims' progression was interrupted by injury, limiting him to 7 games and 1 try, though he maintained a high 71% win rate in his appearances amid the Cowboys' push toward the playoffs, where they ultimately fell short in eighth place. By , he demonstrated growing first-grade consistency, featuring in 23 games and scoring 4 tries while completing 475 tackles, bolstering the team's defensive efforts as they secured seventh position but missed the finals. This season highlighted his adaptation to the demanding physicality of NRL, with Sims emerging as a reliable edge defender in the tropical conditions of . The 2014 season marked Sims' breakout year, where he played 21 games, scored a career-high 6 tries for the club, and recorded over 600 tackles, solidifying his role as a starting second-rower. His robust performances, including key contributions in high-stakes matches like the elimination final against the , were instrumental in the ' sixth-place finish and their first playoff appearance since 2005. Over his four years with the , Sims played 71 games and scored 16 tries, fostering significant personal development in the unique environment of , where the heat and humidity honed his endurance and work ethic.

2015–2016: Newcastle Knights

In July 2014, Tariq Sims signed a two-year contract with the , joining his brother Korbin at the club after being released early from the . He made his debut for the Knights in round 5 of the 2015 NRL season against the , having missed the opening rounds due to a four-week suspension. During the 2015 season, Sims featured in 19 games for , scoring 4 tries and contributing 34 tackle breaks as a key forward in the team's pack. The Knights endured a challenging year, finishing with the after winning only 5 of their 24 matches, and Sims played a role in the rebuilding efforts under coach Rick Stone by providing physicality and versatility in the second row, drawing on his prior experience with where he had adapted across forward positions. In 2016, Sims appeared in 8 games before departing the club mid-season, scoring no tries amid ongoing team inconsistencies and an injury-plagued squad. He missed the first five rounds due to a five-game suspension carried over from a shoulder charge in the previous year's final match. Named co-captain alongside and Jeremy Smith, Sims embraced a role in the forward pack during a difficult period for the Knights, who struggled with cohesion and depth issues.

2016–2022: St George Illawarra Dragons

Tariq Sims joined the mid-season in 2016 after being granted an early release from the , signing a three-year contract that allowed him to debut in round 15 against the . He played 8 games for the club that year, scoring 2 tries, and contributed to a late-season push that saw the Dragons finish 13th on the ladder despite an inconsistent campaign. His experience from the Knights helped ease the adjustment to his new team, where he quickly established himself as a versatile back-rower capable of adding X-factor to the Dragons' attack. From 2017 to 2019, Sims became a consistent starter in the Dragons' lineup, featuring in 68 games and scoring 16 tries across the three seasons. In 2017, he played 24 games and scored 3 tries under coach Paul McGregor, helping the team secure a 9th-place finish as they showed signs of improvement with a stronger defensive structure. His standout year came in 2018, where he appeared in all 24 regular-season games plus the , crossing for a career-high 10 tries and playing a pivotal role in the Dragons' resurgence to 7th on the and a semi-final appearance, their first since 2015; during the week 1 elimination final win over the , Sims ran for 142 meters and made 28 tackles. The 2019 season saw him in 19 games with 3 tries, though the team dropped to 15th amid injuries and form slumps, prompting McGregor's departure at season's end. The arrival of coach Anthony Griffin in 2020 brought further changes, with Sims adapting to a more disciplined system while maintaining his output, playing 9 games that shortened season without scoring a try as the Dragons finished 12th. In 2021, he featured in 21 games and scored 4 tries, emerging as a vocal leader amid contract uncertainty and Griffin's intense regime, averaging around 35 tackles per game to bolster the forward pack during an 11th-place finish. By 2022, Sims played 17 games and scored 1 try, providing defensive stability with consistent minutes despite disciplinary issues, including a grade-three charge that sidelined him late in the season as the team ended 10th; discussions around his leadership role, including potential captaincy, surfaced but did not materialize amid roster flux. Over his seven seasons with the Dragons, Sims made 123 appearances and scored 23 tries, becoming a cornerstone in the club's efforts to rebuild competitiveness after a period of underperformance. His tenure included re-signings in 2018 for three more years and contributions to pre-season successes like the 2018 and 2022 Anzac Cup wins, while his offloads and line-break assists—peaking in 2018—highlighted his ball-playing prowess in revitalizing the back-row dynamics.

2023: Melbourne Storm

In April 2022, Tariq Sims signed a one-year contract with the to join the club for the , bolstering the forward pack following the departure of several experienced players. He made his debut for the Storm in Round 3 against the Gold Coast Titans on March 18, 2023, scoring a try in his first appearance and becoming the 230th player to represent the club. Throughout the 2023 season, Sims featured in 15 first-grade games for the Storm, primarily operating as a utility forward from the bench. His contributions included 1 try, 243 tackles at a 95% efficiency rate, and over 1,000 run metres, providing solid support in a revamped forward rotation under coach . A pre-season calf injury limited his early involvement, but once fit, Sims added valuable depth during the regular season, helping the Storm secure third place on the ladder and qualify for the finals. Sims' veteran presence, drawn from over 220 prior NRL games, proved instrumental in mentoring younger players amid the team's push toward the playoffs. He maintained a strong bench role in the finals series, including a start in the preliminary final loss to the Penrith Panthers on September 24, 2023, marking the deepest finals run of his career despite the Storm's elimination.

2024–2025: Catalans Dragons

In September 2023, Tariq Sims signed a two-year contract with , joining the club from the ahead of the . His NRL veteran status from the Storm, where he played 15 games in 2023, enhanced his value as an experienced import forward capable of playing second row, loose forward, or prop. Sims arrived in , , for preseason training in late 2023, expressing enthusiasm for the move as a new chapter for himself and his family while committing to learning French to integrate into the local culture. Sims made his debut for in Round 1 of the 2024 Super League against and quickly adapted to the European style, which emphasized tighter defenses and faster play compared to the NRL. He featured in 23 appearances across all competitions that season, scoring three tries, including a brace in a match shortly after his debut, and contributed to the team's fourth-place finish and playoff qualification. As a key member of the forward pack, his physicality and experience helped stabilize the Dragons' middle unit during a campaign that saw them reach the Super League semi-finals. The 2025 season proved challenging for Sims due to persistent injuries, limiting him to 16 Super League appearances, though he maintained leadership in the forward pack by mentoring younger players and providing vocal direction on the field. Despite the setbacks, his contributions underscored his resilience, with the club acknowledging his role in fostering team spirit amid a transitional year. On 30 August 2025, announced Sims as one of 13 players departing at the end of the season, praising his popularity with fans and his 39 total appearances for the club, in which he scored five tries. Sims declared his retirement on 21 September 2025, at age 35, after 14 professional seasons that included nearly 250 NRL games and his two years abroad. Reflecting on his time in Perpignan, Sims highlighted the enriching cultural experience, noting the warmth of the French community and the personal growth from immersing his family in a new environment, which he described as a highlight of his career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to end his playing days with , affirming his ongoing passion for and intent to remain involved in the sport.

Representative career

New South Wales

Tariq Sims made his debut for the in Game 3 of the , entering as an interchange forward in a match NSW lost 18–12 to at Sydney's ANZ Stadium. This appearance capped a long wait for Sims, who had been on the fringes of selection since 2011, with his inclusion reflecting coach Brad Fittler's emphasis on injecting physicality into the back row. Sims earned further selections in the 2019 series, starting at second-row in Games 1 and 2, where the secured victories of 15–12 and 38–6 respectively to claim , though he was suspended for the dead-rubber Game 3 after a charge for dangerous contact. He returned strongly in 2021, starting all three games in the back row, contributing to NSW's 2–1 series win with triumphs in Games 1 (50–6) and 2 (26–0). In 2022, Sims started at second-row in Game 1, a 10–16 loss to at Accor Stadium, but was not selected for the subsequent games. Across his seven Origin appearances—all in the second row or as a versatile forward—Sims provided robust support in high-pressure environments, often noted for his intimidating defensive presence and key plays like a pinpoint pass in Game 1 of 2021 that set up Brian To'o's try, helping establish a commanding lead. His tackle completion rates exceeded 90% in multiple outings, underscoring his reliability amid the series' physical demands. Sims' selections occurred against fierce competition from established second-rowers like and Josh Jackson, with his consistent performances for the —where he averaged over 140 metres per game and high defensive outputs in 2018 and 2021—proving pivotal in earning coach Fittler's trust. These club efforts enabled his role in two Blues series triumphs, highlighting his value as a hard-running, defensive enforcer in Origin's cauldron.

Fiji

Tariq Sims qualifies to represent through his mother's Fijian heritage, as she was born in before migrating to . He made his debut for the Fiji Bati during the , starting at second-row against on October 28 at Spotland Stadium, , where he scored a try in a 32–14 victory. This performance marked the beginning of his international career, showcasing his aggressive running style and defensive presence. Sims featured in all five of Fiji's matches at the 2013 tournament, contributing to their campaign that saw them advance from despite losses to (34–2) and (34–12). In the quarter-final against on November 17 at , , he helped secure a 22–4 upset win, earning Fiji a semi-final berth—their second such achievement in World Cup history. His standout contributions included a powerful burst through England's defense in the group stage, assisting a try for Eloni Vunakece and briefly putting Fiji ahead 6–0. Fiji ultimately fell 64–0 to in the semi-final at on November 23. Throughout the tournament, Sims recorded one try and demonstrated strong forward play, helping elevate Fiji's international profile by reaching the semi-finals and competing against top-tier teams. Although selected for later squads, including the 2017 World Cup (where a ruled him out) and the 2022 tournament, he did not add to his five Test appearances due to injuries and club commitments. His representative versatility is further evidenced by selections for .

Career statistics

Club statistics

Tariq Sims amassed 236 appearances in the (NRL) from 2011 to 2023, scoring 44 tries for 176 points across four clubs. In the , he played 41 games for the from 2024 to 2025 across all competitions, adding 5 tries for 20 points. Overall, his club career totaled 277 games, 49 tries, and 196 points. The following table summarizes his appearances, tries, and points by club:
ClubYearsGamesTriesPoints
2011–2014711664
2015–201627416
2016–20221232392
20231514
NRL Total2011–202323644176
2024–202541520
Total2024–202541520
Club Career Total2011–202527749196
Data sourced from Rugby League Project for NRL figures and Love Rugby League for Super League totals (as of 2025). In the , Sims' 41 appearances for Catalans included games across the regular season and cup competitions in 2024 and 2025. He featured in 22 regular season games in 2024 (3 tries) and 16 in 2025 (2 tries). Advanced metrics from his NRL career highlight his defensive reliability and ball-carrying impact, with 5,721 total tackles (averaging 24.2 per game), 417 tackle busts, and 45 offloads. These figures underscore his role as a consistent second-rower, often exceeding 30 tackles in key matches while generating go-forward through busts and offloads.

Representative statistics

Tariq Sims' representative career highlights his versatility and defensive prowess in high-pressure matches for , , and NSW Country. In , he featured in six games across four series from 2018 to 2022, contributing primarily through forward carries and tackling without scoring any tries. His debut in Game 3 of the 2018 series saw him play 34 minutes, completing 8 runs for 74 metres and 19 tackles. In the 2021 series, where he started all three matches, Sims played a key role in ' 2-1 victory, logging significant minutes in the forward pack. For , Sims earned five test caps during the , scoring his sole international try in a 32-14 win over in the opening match. These appearances underscored his commitment to his Fijian heritage, with advancing to the tournament semi-finals. He did not feature in subsequent internationals due to commitments. Sims also represented NSW Country on six occasions between 2012 and 2017 in the City vs Country Origin matches, crossing for three tries during that period. These games provided early representative exposure, contrasting the higher intensity of Origin and international fixtures.
Representative TeamGames PlayedTriesPointsYears Active
(State of Origin)6002018–2022
Fiji (International Tests)5142013
NSW Country63122012–2017

Personal life

Family and background

Tariq Sims was born on 9 February 1990 in , Australia. He grew up in a close-knit family in the region, raised by his mother, Jacqueline Sims, who is originally from , and his father, Peter Sims, an Australian who worked multiple jobs to support the household. The family resided in a modest three-bedroom in Gerringong, where resources were limited, with the children sharing items like a single pair of football boots rotated every five weeks. Sims is one of five siblings, all of whom pursued elite-level sports careers, fostering a deep family passion for and other activities. His older sister Ruan became a dual international in and union, while brothers Ashton and Korbin also represented in ; his sister CJ signed an NRL Women's contract. This sporting environment was shaped by Jacqueline's strict parenting, which emphasized early bedtimes, homework, and no weekday television or video games, channeling the siblings' energy into backyard games of rugby, , and . Early life challenges, such as missing social outings due to training commitments and the family's focus on self-reliance over material comforts, supported their dedication to sports as a pathway to achievement. Sims has credited this upbringing for instilling discipline and a strong , with his mother's Fijian roots contributing to a sense of cultural pride that influenced family values. His maternal an heritage qualified him for international eligibility with Fiji, alongside his brothers.

Community involvement and advocacy

Tariq Sims has been actively involved in player welfare initiatives through his role as an NRL Player , emphasizing support and post-career transition programs. Since 2011, he has served as a Ambassador, drawing from personal experiences with depression to promote awareness and reduce stigma within the community. In 2015, Sims became a State of Mind , one of the NRL's appointed ambassadors tasked with increasing and resources for issues among players and fans. His efforts include encouraging open conversations about mental illness, as he has stated, "I want to help people speak out and express themselves if they have a mental illness, to help break down the stigma." Sims has also participated in anti-domestic violence campaigns as a Voice Against Violence Advocate, a key NRL program aimed at preventing . Appointed as an NRL Community Advocate in 2019, he has worked to educate and mobilize the community on issues of gender-based violence, motivated by his role as a father to two daughters. He has emphasized the personal importance of this cause, noting, "I want to help prevent ... And being the father of two young ladies, the welfare of women is close to my heart." During his tenure with the , Sims contributed to club-specific community outreach aligned with these NRL initiatives, supporting broader efforts in player and societal welfare. Leveraging his Fijian heritage as a proud representative of the community, Sims has advocated for youth programs and cultural initiatives in , including support for clubs in his hometown of and beyond. His background has informed a commitment to fostering inclusivity for and Indigenous groups through NRL-backed social causes, though specific engagements often tie into his broader advocacy roles. Following his from professional at the end of the 2025 season, Sims has expressed a desire to remain involved in the game in some capacity.

References

  1. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/tariq-sims/summary.html
  2. https://www.nrl.com/community/player-advocates/tariq-sims/
  3. http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/articles-9/304-13042-thank-you-tariq/
  4. https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2023/032/18/tariq-sims-becomes-storm-player-230/
  5. http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/articles-9/275-11138-dragons-sign-tariq-sims/
  6. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/tariq-sims-hangs-up-boots-following-catalans-dragons-departure
  7. https://www.superleague.co.uk/player/1899/tariq-sims
  8. https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/11/20/re-united-tariq-and-korbin-sims-happy-to-step-on-each-others-toes-at-st-george-illawarra-dragons/
  9. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/mum-s-the-word-as-saints-sims-brothers-reunite-20180718-p4zs8i.html
  10. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/where-are-they-now-the-2010-nyc-team-of-the-year/1ega0emxs8lf21j5w1njhtsl5o
  11. https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/10/04/how-the-cowboys-rebuilt-a-north-queensland-empire/
  12. https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2011/03/15/rd-2---sims-amp-thorby-to-debut/
  13. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2011/round-2/north-queensland-cowboys-vs-newcastle-knights/summary.html
  14. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-03-28/cowboys-hammer-embarrassing-storm/2637758
  15. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/the-whole-point-of-the-game-is-to-beat-people-up-oh-and-score-more-points-20180504-p4zdcx.html
  16. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-07/sims-extends-cowboys-stay/2874984
  17. https://www.codesports.com.au/stats/nrl/players/tariq-sims-109998
  18. https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/07/04/knights-sign-tariq-sims-on-two-year-deal/
  19. https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/09/08/knights-2015-season-review/
  20. https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2015&stat=1000003
  21. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/knights-sims-to-change-tackling-technique/gcmen72zo
  22. https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2016/02/25/sims-relishes-leadership-role/
  23. https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2016/04/16/tough-lessons-for-young-knights/
  24. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2016/05/30/dragons-sign-tariq-sims/
  25. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/tariq-sims-completes-midseason-shift-from-newcastle-knights-to-st-george-illawarra-dragons-20160616-gpkaw9.html
  26. https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/tariq-sims-18933.html
  27. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2016-new-recruit-tariq-sims-hoping-to-st-george-illawarra-dragons-their-xfactor/news-story/244aff9cb1d94f42e6ff3cf9bf952695
  28. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/st-george-illawarra-dragons/seasons.html
  29. https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/09/20/st-george-illawarra-dragons-2018-season-review/
  30. https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-illawarra-backflip-on-tariq-sims-future/news-story/1e12fdac09141c6fb46f2bd58a2a661d
  31. https://www.espn.com/nrl/story/_/id/27371648/dragons-tariq-sims-nrl-season
  32. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2022/08/08/sims-ruled-out-for-regular-season/
  33. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/12/13/tariq-sims-re-signs-with-the-dragons/
  34. https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2022/04/22/double-dragons-to-join-storm/
  35. https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2023/10/24/season-in-review-tariq-sims/
  36. https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/09/21/furthest-ive-gone-in-a-season-why-sims-craves-storm-premiership/
  37. https://www.superleague.co.uk/article/3750/sims-signs-for-dragons
  38. https://www.totalrl.com/tariq-sims-on-why-he-chose-to-sign-for-catalans-dragons-and-taking-french-lessons/
  39. https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/revealed-super-league-transfer-10-years-in-the-making-finally-complete-86302/
  40. https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/rugby-league-news-nrl-veteran-retires-following-super-league-stint-108672/
  41. http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/articles-9/301-12907-13-players-to-leave-the-club/
  42. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/blues-use-sims-card-for-state-of-origin/36bnm343c
  43. https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin-game-two-player-ratings-nsw-blues-queensland-maroons-20210627-p5itkp.html
  44. https://www.nrl.com/draw/state-of-origin/2022/game-1/blues-v-maroons/
  45. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/7275534/tariq-sims-earns-nsw-state-of-origin-recall/
  46. https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2021/10/15/dragons-tariq-sims-rates-nsw-blues-origin-series-win-a-career-highlight/
  47. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/korbin-sims-on-infectious-happy-fijian-culture-and-what-it-means-to-play-for-fiji
  48. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/24694176
  49. https://www.nrl.com/news/2013/11/18/australia-a-different-machine-sims/
  50. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/09/england-fiji-rugby-league-world-cup
  51. https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2013/1123/488674-aussies-demolish-fiji-to-secure-final-spot/
  52. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/07/lovodua-milne-named-in-bati-rlwc-squad/
  53. https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2023/09/27/sims-departs-storm/
  54. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/20182/07/20/individual-origin-stats-that-will-surprise-you/
  55. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/fiji-star-tariq-sims-earns-new-deal-with-st-george-illawarra
  56. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/06/17/how-pacific-nations-are-preparing-players-for-origin/
  57. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/tariq-sims-in-a-rare-sporting-family/pohl20cyn
  58. https://www.mamamia.com.au/jacqueline-sims-rugby-league/
  59. https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/07/04/nsw-blues-forward-tariq-sims-creating-history-in-the-footsteps-of-big-sister-ruan/
  60. https://www.facebook.com/nrl/posts/you-know-ashton-korbin-tariq-and-ruan-meet-cj-the-fifth-sims-siblingcj-has-just-/10155671108408074/
  61. https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/09/14/sims-reveals-some-tough-times/
  62. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/04/23/nrl-community-advocates-announced/
  63. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/23/dragons-trio-named-nrl-community-advocates/
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