Sims’ Dragons NRL omission a fitness call

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin says his determination to miss NSW State of Origin ahead Tariq Sims for Saturday’s NRL season opener is solely a health determination.

The off-contract Sims was a notable absentee from the Dragons squad to face the Warriors at Sunshine Coast Stadium, particularly after Griffin revealed in September the 32-year-old was free to speak to rival golf equipment.

Asked in regards to the name on the eve of the spherical one match, Griffin stated it was merely a case of Sims not being bodily able to play and he nonetheless has plans for the backrower in 2022.

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“It wasn’t exhausting to miss him,” Griffin stated.

“He’s simply not prepared.

“He did his first full week of coaching this week after three calf tears.

“We simply must handle him and ensure when he does get on the sector with us that it is for the best causes and never as a result of we’re attempting to hurry him for the time being to win a sport.

“The last item we wish is for him to snap his calf and be out for six weeks.”

With Sims and George Burgess unavailable, Griffin has caught with the identical beginning 13 from the Charity Shield win over South Sydney final month.

That means there are 5 recruits poised to make their NRL debuts for the Red V with Aaron Woods, Jaydn Su’A and Moses Suli beginning whereas Mose Mbye and Francis Molo are on the bench.

Youngster Tyrell Sloan begins at fullback and Talatau Amone is partnering captain Ben Hunt within the halves.

Griffin expects his workforce to face a stern first-up problem towards the Warriors – who’re beginning one other season from an Australian base, this time in southeast Queensland.

Nathan Brown’s workforce is bolstered by the return of Shaun Johnson whereas Chanel Harris-Tevita will play fullback instead of the suspended Reece Walsh.

“With Shaun Johnson again there now to assist (Kodi) Nikorima and (Addin) Fonua-Blake re-signed, they have an actual platform there,” Griffin stated.

“They’re a cultured workforce, they assault very well and I feel they’re on the best way up as a membership.”