Melbourne Storm has announced today second rower Tariq Sims is set to explore opportunities outside of the NRL in 2024.
Sims’ decorated playing career began when he debuted for the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 2, 2011. He spent the next four years with the Cowboys before joining the Newcastle Knights in 2015, followed by the Illawarra Dragons in 2016.
The 33-year-old from Gerringong, New South Wales, made his move to Storm ahead of the 2023 season on a one-year deal and leaves with 236 NRL appearances to his name as well as 44 tries.
His impressive resume includes representing NSW in State of Origin in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, enjoying wins in three of the four series. He has also represented Fiji Bati and the Country Origin side on five and six occasions, respectively.
Tariq Sims: "It was everything I hoped for and more"
Sims, Storm player no. 230, said it’s been an emotional time but one he will forever cherish his time at the club.
“It’s been sort of an emotional last two months for me sorting this out and you know it’s time for me to not only leave the Storm but retire from the NRL,” Sims said.
“It [time at Storm] was everything I hoped for and more, unfortunately, it was only a year but to be quite honest it was probably one of the most enjoyable years of my career, just the comradery that everyone has here, the connection the club has not only with the players but with the front office, sponsors and everyone involved with the club.
Being part of this club means so much to me personally and I know I’ve only been here for 12 months, but it feels like I’ve been here for a lot longer than that. I absolutely adore the club and the fans and wish them nothing but success in the future.
“It’s been a really long career, one that I’m very proud of, one that I hope I’ve helped not only other footy players along the way but general public. I’ve always appreciated the fans for their support and their criticism but mostly their support, but it’s been a great journey. It’s been a wild ride – I’ve seen a lot, I’ve experienced a lot … I started my career without a family and now I’ve got two beautiful kids and a lovely wife so to be able to represent the NRL at a very high level for as long as I did, that’s something I’m going to be very proud of when I finish.”
Storm General Manager Football, Frank Ponissi, thanked Sims for his contribution and dedication to the club.
“Tariq is a highly popular and respected individual not only among his teammates but the wider club,” Ponissi said.
“He’s only been with us for one year and has left no stone unturned in getting the best out of his career and our younger cohort of players. He always puts in 110% at training and in his recovery and drives those standards throughout our group.
“We deeply thank Tariq, as well as his wife Ash, and kids Vayla and Lakia for their contributions to the club over their time. They will always be welcome back to the club and we wish them all the best for their next chapter.”
