Seven years after first being part of an extended NSW Origin squad, Tariq Sims is finally immediate family.
Sims is set to make his State of Origin debut after being named on the bench for the game-three clash at Suncorp Stadium following the axing of Matt Prior.
The 28-year-old gets his first Origin jumper after also overcoming two broken legs that almost ended his rugby league career before it began.
Sims could have been forgiven for thinking his chance at an Origin appearance would pass him by after being part of an extended squad for both the Blues’ wins so far this series.
Coach Brad Fittler was expected to name an unchanged line-up for the dead rubber, but was moved to provide cover for captain Boyd Cordner as he attempts to battle through a minor calf issue.
Sims only found out he was in the team when it was announced at ANZ Stadium on Monday morning.
“It was a nice surprise this morning. Just to hear my name read out there, it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to rip in on the field with the boys and put my best foot forward,” Sims said on Monday.
“I was told after our (St George Illawarra) game to make sure that I was physically and mentally prepared to play if I was needed. To hear my name get read out in the bench spot was surreal.”
The Dragons hitman admitted it was difficult to train with the team over the first two games of the series and then be limited to a spectator on game night.
“I’m someone that likes to play with a lot of pride and passion and wear my heart on my sleeve. One of the hardest things is to get yourself physically and mentally ready for a game,” he said.
“To warm-up and get told to hit the showers and get changed, you have to sit back and watch the boys … You want to be out there helping them.”
Blues captain Boyd Cordner said Sims, who becomes the fourth Dragons player in the Blues team alongside Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan and Jack de Beline, deserved his crack in the Origin arena.
“Just to see him get his shot, I’m just so happy for him, so proud of him,” he said.
“Just that perseverance to keep going, he’s been in great form this year. So to see how happy he is and for him to get his shot, I can’t wait to go out and play with him.”
