The NRL market has been in full swing for 2023 with several stars switching clubs ahead of the new season.
NRL.com takes a look at the major transfers and how your club will benefit from a star arrival.
Tariq Sims (Storm)
- Age: 32
- Position they’ll fill: Second row
- Contracted until: 2023
What Sims can bring
Tariq Sims has started his tenure with his new club the Melbourne Storm and is looking to prolong his 221-game NRL career under Craig Bellamy.
The former North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights forward made the switch from St George Illawarra Dragons following seven seasons with the Red V and will add depth to a squad which has seen plenty of experience depart for the 2023 season.
Primarily a second rower, Sims will aiming to help fill the void left by Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich, who have joined prop Jesse Bromwich at the Dolphins.
As well as experience, the five-time Fiji Bati Test representative was hoping to bring “some aggression” with him as well.
“I know the blokes down here are very aggressive naturally, so I am hoping to learn of them as well, it’s a two-way street," Sims told the Melbourne Storm website.
“I think being around those young blokes definitely puts a shot of youth in you and that excitement to train and be physical with those bigger boys is always a challenge and I love challenges."
While the Storm have lost their more established players from their back row, they are not without talent in the position, with well-regarded youngsters Trent Loiero, Alec MacDonald and another new signing in Eliesa Katoa also gunning for starting spots. The competition to secure a place in the 17 will no doubt please coach Bellamy in the lead up to Round 1.
Why it’ll work
Sims, who averaged 98 run metres last season, has headed to the Storm with a mindset to work hard and to not only earn a place in the side, but also push to regain his spot in the New South Wales Origin side.
“I’m a very determined individual and I believe in setting my sights very high," Sims said on NSWRL.com.au.
“Origin is the pinnacle, so I want to keep testing myself, pushing myself towards that. If I get there, I get there."
Bellamy has a happy knack of getting the best out of players other clubs have overlooked or written off, so Sims will be hoping he can find his rhythm in the Storm's system and find his best form again.
While talented, the current crop of Melbourne forwards are still relatively fresh in the game, so having someone with the experience in the forwards like Sims - who is entering his 13th season in the top grade - can only benefit the side overall.