Recently, shocking news broke that the St George Illawarra Dragons had told current New South Wales State of Origin representative Tariq Sims that he is free to negotiate with other clubs for next season.

The first team to be linked with him was the Sydney Roosters, who are believed to be in discussions over signing Sims for 2022 as a replacement for their recently retired captain Boyd Cordner.

Another team is now being linked with the Fijian International, with the Wests Tigers, who have been linked with multiple forwards in recent times.

Brent Read of the Australian has reported that the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are keen to sign Luke Garner from the Tigers and that they see Sims as a potential replacement for him.

“I wonder if it also has implications for either Tariq Sims or Adam Elliott,” Read said.

“The Tigers have been linked with both those guys. If they are willing to let Luke Garner go that would suggest that perhaps they think that one of those guys is going to arrive.

“So maybe that is a hint for a potential destination for Sims or Elliott.”

In 2021, Sims scored four tries, made five line breaks, averaged 194 running metres per game and made 712 tackles for an efficiency rate of 92.8%.

The Wests Tigers may have their eyes on Sims; however, they are very unlikely to pursue him unless they release Luke Garner to the Sea Eagles, which can only occur if Manly frees up salary cap space, likely through the release of Martin Taupau, with speculation the club has permitted him to negotiate with rival clubs for next season.

Sims would slot in perfectly for an outgoing Garner, and bring some much-needed leadership and experience to the Tigers’ forward pack, but would also prove a great impact player coming off of the bench for the Roosters, maintaining or contributing to the intensity brought by the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley.

It is also important to remember that Sims is yet to win a premiership and is coming towards the end of his career.

When looking at both the Roosters and Tigers, it’s safe to say that Sims is more likely to win a premiership with the Sydneysiders, which could be the deciding factor for him.