St George Illawarra star Tariq Sims has undergone season-ending groin surgery that will also keep him out of contention for a Kangaroos call-up.

Sims had been battling groin issues for most of the year and, with the Dragons out of finals contention, went under the knife on Monday.

“The timeframe for recovery unfortunately means he will not play again in season 2019. Tariq will rehabilitate over the off-season and be ready to play come the commencement of the 2020 NRL premiership,” Dragons head of athletic performance Nathan Pickworth said late on Monday.

Australia are scheduled to host New Zealand in late October at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, the home base of the joint venture.

Sims was seemingly an outside chance of being selected for his debut, however his latest injury setback rules him out of selection.

It is a disappointing end to a rollercoaster season for Sims, who was heartbreakingly rubbed out of this year’s State of Origin decider at the judiciary.

The 29-year-old has been among the Dragons’ best this year, averaging 100 metres and 28 tackles in almost 80 minutes per game across 18 matches.

Sims’ absence is likely to allow coach Paul McGregor to give more minutes to youngsters Luciano Leilua, Patrick Kaufusi and Jackson Ford.

The Dragons end their season with games against Cronulla, the Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers and Gold Coast.