St George Illawarra Dragons second rower Tariq Sims is all but confirmed for a move to the Melbourne Storm.
Speculation had been mounting over the last week that Sims could make his way to Melbourne after being told by the Dragons his services wouldnโt be required beyond the end of 2022.
The New South Wales State of Origin forward was also told he had freedom to move for 2022 should he find a contract elsewhere.
The rumour mill went into overdrive on Saturday evening after the Stormโs Round 1 win over the Tigers though. With Christian Welch going down with what appeared to be a season ending injury, Craig Bellamy was incredibly slow to answer a question regarding Sims moving to the Storm for 2023 at the post match press conference.
It seemed to confirm reports that Sims would move to Melbourne, with a switch for 2022 not out of the question either, but salary cap problems have reportedly already put a stop to that.
Speaking on Channel 9 show 100 per cent footy, Danny Weidler said he would definitely end up in Melbourne, and a move at the end of the year isnโt out of the question, as unlikely as it may seem.
"I think you will find that heโs agreed to go to the Storm next year,โ Weidler said.
โI donโt think a contract has been signed, but in principle heโs agreed. Heโs ready to make that move (to the Storm).
โAs for this year, the Storm have only got one position on their roster, but theyโve only got about $100,000 to spend.
โI think itโs going to be difficult for it to happen right now.
โI think down the track, if toward the end of the season an opportunity comes up, like Tevita Pangai Junior with the Panthers, I think that could be an opportunity.
โFor 2023, Sims has made his mind up and thatโs where he will go. Theyโve just got to sort out the finer details.
โIn terms of players making switches this year, a big factor will be Covid.
โI think clubs will want to keep a fair bit of depth in their teams because theyโre worried all of a sudden they could lose three or four blokes at any opportunity.โ
Sims missed Round 1 as he returns from injury, and has now played 204 games in the NRL, with the last 106 of those coming at the Dragons since he joined the club in 2016.
