New St George Illawarra signing Tariq Sims will miss Saturday’s trip back up the M1 to face his former club Newcastle.
Sims, who signed a three-season deal with the Dragons starting next year, was granted an immediate release from his contract with the Knights last week.
But the 26-year-old is ineligible for the round 16 clash under the terms of his release.
Sims will be allowed to play against Newcastle in the Dragons’ final round home game at UOW Jubilee Oval.
The Dragons have already lost Mose Masoe (knee injury) and Sebastine Ikahihifo (released) from their forward stocks for this season, while Ben Creagh hasn’t played since round three through injury.
And with Mike Cooper returning to the UK to link with former club Warrington next season, the immediate signing of Sims was welcomed by Dragons coach Paul McGregor.
“To get [Sims] halfway through this year it’s real good depth for our club and a quality player coming in,” he said.
“You’ve got to remember he was very close to playing Origin footy 12 months ago.
“So the important thing for Tariq is he’s come for the right reasons. He’s certainly come to improve his footy.
“He’s come to play in a team that he thinks and we think are capable of challenging the top four sides week in, week out. And I think the most important thing for Tariq is to improve his own game of footy.”
Sims made his debut in the Dragon’s dour 20-10 win over Melbourne in Wollongong on Saturday night.
