AFTER missing St George Illawarra's past five matches due to a shoulder injury, Gerringong's Tariq Sims has been named to make his return against Newcastle on Sunday.
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Sims, who sustained the injury in the Red V's loss to the Roosters on August 6, will start from the bench for the round 19 clash at McDonald Jones Stadium - with the hosts' side coached by Batemans Bay's Adam O'Brien.
Joining the 30-year-old in the Dragons' side will be fellow Group Seven products Jackson Ford (Gerringong), Adam Clune (Albion Park-Oak Flats) and Euan Aitken (Shellharbour).
The penultimate round of the 2020 NRL premiership also marks the 14th iteration of the competition's women in league round
This year's theme is "from strength to strength" and pays tribute to the growing movement of females making an invaluable contribution to the betterment of the game overall.
"Players will be paying tribute during this round to the special women in their lives that have supported them, inspired them and believed in them throughout their time in the game," said NRL CEO Andrew Abdo in a statement.
"This round is also an opportunity to acknowledge the growing strength and numbers of females in our game - whether that be in leadership positions at clubs, players, coaches and referees involved in matches, or volunteers keeping junior leagues going across the country.
"I'm excited to see our inspiring NRLW players in the competition next month.
"It will be one of the highlights of a challenging year."
The exciting round will kick-off on Thursday, as Nowra-born Cody Walker and his Rabbitohs host the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
Then on Friday, the Cowboys tackle the Panthers and the Eels battle the Broncos.
The second fixture will see Batemans Bay's Brad Arthur coach the hosts' side at Bankwest Stadium, while Shellharbour's Jai Field will start at five-eighth.
The visitors will be coached by former Kiama Knight Peter Gentle but will be without Moruya's Rhys Kennedy, who is suspended.
Saturday's three-game slate will start with the Sea Eagles and Titans game at Lottoland.
Cobargo's Morgan Boyle is in Manly-Warringah's 17-man squad, with Gerringong's Reuben Garrick on an extended bench, as he works his way back from a shoulder complaint.
The Titans side will be led by coach Justin Holbrook, a former Milton-Ulladulla Bulldog, and feature Kiama's Mitch Rein at nine.
Next up is the Storm and Tigers match, before the Roosters, headlined by Kiama twins Josh and Brett Morris, go toe-to-toe with the Sharks - a squad which contains Narooma's Teig Wilton and Pambula-born Jack Williams.
Finally, on Sunday, Milton-Ulladulla's Jack Murchie will make his first trip back to Canberra's GIO Stadium after leaving in May, as his Warriors take on the Raiders.