NRL Transfer Market: Tariq Sims eyes overseas move as Origin stars chase new deals

The futures of a host of Origin players are up in the air as the race to find new deals heats up — keep up with all the latest NRL signing news.

Michael Carayannis and Brent Read

less than 2 min read

September 23, 2023 - 4:00PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Tariq Sims has been linked with a move overseas. Picture: Getty Images

NRL

Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Former NSW forward Tariq Sims looks set to have played his final NRL game with the Storm veteran linked with a move overseas.

Sims is expected to sign with Super League club Catalans on a multi-year deal next year which would draw to a close his 14-season NRL career. The Storm offered the 33-year-old another season but Sims rejected their deal.

He is now set to play overseas with Catalans emerging as the frontrunners to land the enforcer. Sims only joined the Storm this year on a one-year deal and played his 236th top grade game in Melbourne’s loss to Penrith on Saturday night.

His career started way back in 2011 when he made his debut for the Cowboys. Sims’ suffered a career-threatening string of leg injuries after breaking his leg twice at just 22.

Sims had to learn how to walk again before he even contemplated returning to the field. Eventually he made the long road back.

Tariq Sims’ time in the NRL looks over. Picture: NRL Photos

Sims joined the Knights in 2015 but midway through his second year he signed with the Dragons. At St George Illawarra he played 123 games and forced his way to the NSW side where he played the last of his eight matches for the Blues last year.

More Coverage

Origin, rep guns: Stars at your club without an NRL contract

Brent Read, Michael Carayannis, David Riccio

Sport Con: Panthers’ huge GF perk for winning minor premiership

Michael Carayannis, Brent Read

Catalans have been on the lookout for an experienced middle forward to replace Canterbury-bound Siosiua Taukeiaho for next season. Catalans have also lost Mitchell Pearce (retirement), Adam Keighran (Wigan) and Tyrone May (Hull KR).

Aaron Woods wants to stay at Manly. Picture: Getty Images

Sims’ decision leaves the likes of fellow former Origin players Nathan Brown, Corey Oates, Corey Allan and Aaron Woods looking to settle their futures. The Roosters were unlikely to offer Allan a new deal but a serious knee injury to boom outside back Robert Toia has opened the door for Allan to remain at the club.

Woods is hopeful of staying with Manly but as yet they do not have a top 30 spot.

Originally published as NRL Transfer Market: Tariq Sims eyes overseas move as Origin stars chase new deals