Revealed: Super League transfer 10 years in the making finally complete

Catalans Dragons confirmed the arrival of Tariq Sims as the season drew to a close as they hope to go one better than their performance in 2023 and finally win the Super League Grand Final.

The French side have lost Grand Finals in 2021 and 2023 but are one of the biggest success stories in Super League since joining in 2006 cementing themselves as a real force to be reckoned with over the years and now they are able to sign the likes of Sims.

A major signing given previous interest from Leeds Rhinos and others in Super League and also his standing in the NRL.

But in a real surprise, Sims has been planning to make the move for a decade. He was pitched the move to France in 2o13 by former Catalans star Clint Greenshields.

Speaking on the club’s socials, Sims said: “In 2013, Clint Greenshields, he came to North Queensland Cowboys, and my wife and I, and his wife were away with Greg Bird and his wife on a little family holiday. They planted the seed then in ’13.

“I’ve always had my eye on the Catalan Dragons and you know Clint Greenshields and Greg Bird have always really encouraged me that if I was to come to the Super League to come here.

“They told me what the club was about and how it was and the culture and the people that are involved and you know they haven’t said one lie yet. Everything that I’ve seen, I’ve really enjoyed.

“We’re chasing the dream and that’s to play in the final game and to win it. To put our hard work in now and reap the benefits later on in the year, that would be what we’re aiming for.”

He also highlighted how McNamara’s approach aligned with the new signings at the club will create a recipe for success.

He said: “The structure that Steve has in place, the personnel that he has here, the coaching staff, I think a lot of his values align with my values and his work ethic towards training and playing.”

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