http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2016-tariq-sims-to-quit-newcastle-knights-linked-to-dragons-sea-eagles/news-story/d49aa2e546740f1c10d6cdc7cda11869?from=public_rss
NEWCASTLE co-captain Tariq Sims has turned his back on a contract option to stay at the Knights next season and is poised to announce he will quit the struggling club.
Sims has been strongly linked to a move to St George Illawarra although Manly have also been mentioned as a possible destination for the fringe NSW Blues Origin backrower.
The Daily Telegraph has been told Sims broke the news of his pending departure to Knights teammates and staff on Sunday at the club’s final training session in preparation for Monday night’s clash against Parramatta at Hunter Stadium.
The backrower, who was 18th man for the Blues in last season’s final Origin game, has been mulling over his future for more than a month with the option of a new one-year deal in his favour set to expire in the next 24 hours.
He linked with the Knights from North Queensland at the start of 2015 and he and his young family bought a house in Newcastle, openly admitting earlier in the season they were keen to stay long term to help the club rebuild under coach Nathan Brown.
But it is understood the security of a long-term deal at a rival club was a major factor in his decision to leave.
Only a matter of a few weeks ago, the Knights offered Sims an upgraded contract extension that would have superseded his option for 2017.
But the club is said to have withdrawn the new deal because they were not convinced Sim’s recent form warranted the pay increase.
Brown could not be reached for a comment on Sunday and former Melbourne Storm and Australian five-eighth Scott Hill, who now manages Sims, was guarded when asked about Sim’s immediate future.
“We will probably know more in a few days,” Hill said.
Tariq Sims joined the Knights from North Queensland at the start of 2015.
“There are security issues to consider in any decision he makes because he has a young family to think about as well.”
Meanwhile, Knights co-captain Jeremy Smith will miss the Eels game as expected through injury with backrower Lachlan Fitzgibbon tipped to be added to the bench.
The decision to rest Smith before the side’s trip to Townsville next weekend could open the door for young prop Josh King to be rewarded for some strong performances with his first starting role in the NRL.
