HEADING into the 2020 NRL season, everything appeared to be lining up for Gerringong's Tariq Sims.
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The 30-year-old was fresh off two State of Origin appearances with NSW in 2018 and 2019, in seasons where he'd become one of the most damaging back-rowers in the competition.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse for the former Fijian international and his St George Illawarra Dragons.
"This has been my most frustrating season in first grade," Sims said.
"To go through a gruelling pre-season and find a different level your body can go to, only for it to be constantly interrupted has been very annoying.
"From COVID-19 into a suspension into two different injuries, it's been tough but that's footy - that's the beauty of the beast.
"However, there's always two ways you can look at every situation and my philosophy is taking it all in my stride and getting on with it."
One way the Dragons have stayed optimistic is to be blooding so many junior products in recent weeks, including South Coast Black Cockatoos' Jayden Sullivan this Sunday.
"I didn't have a good look at the team list until Wednesday morning, to have a look at all the changes, especially in terms of the Storm is interesting," the Kiama High School alumnus said.
"In terms of our team, the way those younger guys like Max [Feagai], Eddie [Blacker] and Bud [Sullivan] have applied themselves at training throughout the year is impressive.
"Unfortunately, COVID-19 has probably delayed their growth into first grade a little - if there were still Canterbury Cup games going on, I think they would have been picked in the 17 earlier, as they would have been able to play themselves into form.
"It's great to see them all finally get a crack at the top grade and showcase the talent they possess, after being part of the system for so many years."
As exciting as it is to cast an eye of the Dragons future with this 'generation next', Sims knows all the boys are determined to end their disrupted season on a high.
"The main focus of our week has been about us and what we can control out of the field, which we know will benefit us in the long run," Sims, who as one of the older statesmen of the team is looking to set the tone on the field, said.
"We've reviewed last week's game against Newcastle and there's plenty of blokes upset with their performances.
"Obviously there will be a few little tweaks, with all the new faces coming in and we've got until Sunday to work on them as a squad.
"The feeling in the camp is strong and I expect a vastly improved Dragons side come Sunday and there's no way we want to go out in embarrassing fashion like we did last week."
Sims, being the optimist he is, believes this tough season can be a learning experience for the whole squad, which he hopes to rebound next season.
"You can throw your hands up and say there's always next year but that's not what we are about here at the Dragons or what I'm about as a footballer," he said.
"We had our opportunities this season and more often than not, we squandered them and let games slip away.
"We didn't play up to our potential and we are sitting where we are on the table because of that.
"However, we've got a chance to put all that behind us on Sunday.
"No matter who you are or where you come from, if you pull on that Red V, you have a job to do to honour our loyal fans and proud club history."
The round 20 clash at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will also mark the final time club stalwarts Tyson Frizell and Euan Aitken, a former Shellharbour Shark, will pull on the jersey.
"Those two have been with the club for such a long time and done so much for it during their time here," Sims said.
"To get the chance to send them out as winners is high on our priority list."
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