NRL
J
acky Sims has long been torn
when it comes to family loyalty.
Previously, with three sons playing
in the NRL, she was pulled from
pillar to post every single weekend,
alternating cheering each of them
on come game day.
Fortunately, 2019 has heralded
a new era for the proud mum-
of-five, with youngest sons
Korbin, 27, and Tariq Sims, 29,
both having signed lucrative
multi-year deals with the
St George Illawarra Dragons
(eldest son Ashton is currently
playing in the UK’s Championship
league, for the Canada-based
Toronto Wolfpack). For Korbin,
that has meant relocating back
to his hometown for the first
time in more than a decade
- something Jacky admits she’s
extremely pleased about.
“Well he’s our baby, so... I’m just
really happy for him,” she beams.
Korbin, who’s clearly relishing having
the beautiful beaches of Wollongong
- where Foxtel magazine’s fun family
photo shoot took place – on his doorstep,
has long had a dream of returning home.
However, it’s one he feared would never
eventuate during his playing career.
“I always thought I’d end up back here,
but I never really thought I’d be playing
first grade down here, so I’m looking
forward to this year,” he tells us.
“With Tariq down here, it
certainly made the decision
that much easier. It’s great
being back with the family.”
Indeed, the only thing that
could have made Korbin’s move
sweeter, for everyone, would
be having Ashton back in the fold,
too, though it’s not for lack of trying.
“I was trying to work an angle
where Ashton would come back
and have a last swan song at
the Dragons,” Korbin reveals,
“but he’s playing really good
football over in England with
the Toronto Wolfpack, so
unfortunately I don’t think that’s
going to happen anytime soon.”
The Sims are a formidable sporting
family. Besides Ashton, Tariq and Korbin,
eldest sister Ruan – formerly co-captain
of national team the Jillaroos – is doing^
Korbin and Tariq
Sims (from left)
credit much of
their success
to mum JackyTariq
SimsKorbin
Simsarms
“It’s awesome being
back home and having
Mum and Dad up the
road,” the boys agreeFoxtel MAY 47