'I'd cut oranges': Sims desperate for another Blues taste
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Dragons enforcer Tariq Sims says he would cut oranges and run drinks if it meant getting another taste of a Blues Origin camp.
With no designs on a starting spot, Sims is targeting a bench impact role for game two but says even just to get back into camp as an extra squad member would be a dream come true.
Sims got a long-awaited taste of Origin in the game three dead rubber last year, playing 34 minutes off the bench in an 18-12 loss at Suncorp Stadium.
He played strongly with 75 metres and a tackle bust from eight carries, as well as 20 tackles, but his debut is perhaps most remembered for a costly penalty in possession with NSW 12-8 up in the 50th minute, responding to some heavy niggle in a tackle from Ben Hunt.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Sims was right in the frame for this year's series opener, eventually losing out to Angus Crichton in a three-way battle for the last bench spot alongside eventual 18th man Ryan Matterson.
He spoke to coach Brad Fittler after the squad was finalised and he knows he has some things to work on to get back in the side – the mission now is to give the Blues hierarchy no choice but to pick him.
"I'm desperate to get into the Blues but there's a few things I need to tidy up in my game," Sims said.
"I want to make sure I'm working hard. I want to make my performances pick themselves, I don't want to leave it up to a flip of the coin.
"I know what I need to work on, I know what I need to do so it's just up to me to go out and do it."
Match Highlights: Bulldogs v Dragons
Sims' season to date has been solid rather than spectacular but four of his five returns of 130-plus metres have come in his past four starts, including his first try of the year in round 10.
"The last couple of weeks I'm really starting to hit my straps again," he said.
He admitted it would be tough to break into the team now with few changes expected in the pack other than needing to replace prop David Klemmer, who has a fractured wrist.
"I think the boys played outstanding in game one but the bounce of the ball was going Queensland's way," he said.
"Sitting back the other night and watching them run around, I felt for the boys.
"I really wanted to be out there with them, taking those tough carries and doing that hard stuff that impact players want to do.
"That's the sort of role I want to be targeting is that impact player coming off the bench blowing shoulders off.
"It's going to be really hard to make changes in that Blues side but for me to force my way back into the team, first of all I just want to get into the camp. I'm desperate to get into the camp with the boys.
"If my job was to cut oranges and run the bottles out for the boys I'd take that on so hard. Whatever role there is for me to play there I'd happily do it."
