GERRINGONG'S Korbin Sims only has one reservation about being locked inside an NRL bubble.
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"It depends on who I get roomed with," the Dragons forward said.
"If it's a footy bubble and I'm stuck with someone like Paul Vaughan, it's going to wear pretty thin after a while.
"He's a really good dude, a good person.
"I've known Paul for a long time.
"But being stuck with him for a long time at home, I feel for his poor wife.
"Being stuck with him for god knows how long the competition's going to go for, it wouldn't be the best idea in the world."
If it's a footy bubble and I'm stuck with someone like Paul Vaughan, it's going to wear pretty thin after a while.
- Korbin Sims
Rugby league chairman Peter V'Landys continues to push ahead with plans for the NRL to restart on May 28.
The idea includes players living in lockdown "bubbles" amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's understood players would also require regular checks for fever.
"While the idea of playing footy's exciting, everyone's got their own opinion about what's going to happen," Sims said.
"I haven't really watched the news too closely [about the NRL plans], it's all heresay.
"That bubble idea has been thrown around but if we all want to get back on, it's going to be what it's going to be.
"Obviously we have to follow the requirements around the health regulations of the state and country.
"But it's just going to be an interesting time when we get that final date to go back to play.
"At the moment, we've just got to try stay fit and healthy, keep our distance from each other and try level out this infection rate line.
"That's obviously the first requirement."
If the NRL does resume on May 28, expect Sims to put his hand up for selection.
The 28-year-old continues to recover from a broken forearm suffered during St George-Illawarra's trial win over Newcastle in February.
The injury required surgery and Sims is confident his recovery is on track.
"I think this week is six weeks post surgery, so that's usually the time it takes a fractured bone to heal," the experience forward said.
"My forearm is coming along nicely. I'm just trying to get strength back into it at the moment.
"Obviously, with the social distancing requirements, it's a little bit hard to try and get some contact.
"We've still got three weeks proposed until we need to start training, and another three weeks again until we play.
"My arm should be ready to rock and roll by then."
While life without footy is a "little different", Sims says he has found things around the home to do to keep busy.
"These activities include the chance to build a workbench.
"I also got up to Cairns to see my son for almost three weeks [before borders closed], which is unheard of this time of year for me," he said.
"This March, April, May period is always very hectic for a normal NRL season, so it's good for players to spend more time with families around this time of year."
It's good for players to spend more time with families around this time of year.
- Korbin Sims
After starting the season 0-2, the Dragons sit in 13th spot on the NRL ladder.
Sims said the opening two losses against the Tigers and Penrith were "a little bit unfortunate", he expected St George-Illawarra to bounce back when play resumed.
"We had a really good pre-season, the best I've had the two years I've been here, and we were really ready to play.
"Unfortunately we just couldn't come with the two points from those two games.
"But we're building towards something big.
"We'll be right coming [back] into the season, whenever we start."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
