GERRINGONG'S Tariq Sims didn't miss a beat in his return to rugby league on Sunday.
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The 30-year-old, who was sidelined for four rounds due to a wrist injury, made 28 tackles during his 65-minute stint, as the St George Illawarra Dragons easily accounted Manly-Warringah 34-4.
"It was quite a quick turnaround for me following the surgery to get back on the field," Sims, who had been really impressed with how the side had played during his absence, said.
"However, I was really happy with how it {the wrist} performed on Sunday and more importantly, how it pulled up after the game - especially after such a good win."
Sunday's victory was the biggest of the season for the Dragons and second rower Sims said was the culmination of the group's hard work.
"Even though we went down to last year's two grand finalists, they were inspiring performances by the boys," he said.
"To continue building like we did against Manly and produce a performance like we did, it was a by-product of those two losses as well as those wins against the Sharks and Titans.
"Prior to that, we were giving our all but the ball just wasn't bouncing our way and we'd have silly errors, like letting teams out of their own ends easily, in our game.
"It's been extraordinary to see all the players and coaching staff rewarded for their application at training and on game day - especially while I have been stuck on the sidelines.
"All of that inspired me to come back better than ever, to help be a part of the solution."
The Red V will now play the Bulldogs, who recently parted ways with coach Dean Pay, at WIN Stadium on Saturday - the side which Sims' sustained his injury against.
"You see it every time a club moves on from a coach, the playing group are fired up and the Bulldogs will be no different this week," the former State of Origin forward, who explained he'd be willing to relocate to a Queensland bubble if necessary, said.
"All the players are going to be keen to put their best foot forward and prove themselves.
"There's no denying their doing it tough at the moment - a desperate team is always a dangerous team."
Sims, if the Dragons are to record their fourth win of the season this weekend, knows the club's new spine - which features Ben Hunt at hooker and Cam McInnes at lock - will play a big role.
"Our spine, including Cam, continue to work tirelessly on their craft for the benefit of the team," he said.
"Take Cluney [Adam Clune] for example - he's regularly the first to training to do extra video sessions, as he's obsessed with getting better each and every day.
"That type of work ethic is infectious and I can't speak highly enough of the way he's carried himself the last few weeks.
"Although we've had a small shift in the spine, with Cam moving to 13, it hasn't changed the roles too much.
"The beauty of our squad is we have so many guys that play the same style.
"Cam's leg speed around the ruck is as good as ever, while Ben's running game gives us a new dimension - especially if us big boys are laying a platform.
"This will allow players such as Normy [Corey Norman] and [Matt] Dufty, who's definitely hit his straps lately, a chance to play off and create points for us - which we hope to continue against Canterbury."