Sims links up with Dragons early

The St. George Illawarra Dragons have announced the signing of Tariq Sims following his departure from the Newcastle Knights.

Sims had originally signed a three-year contract with the Dragons beginning in 2017, but was let go early by Newcastle.

The 26-year-old made his NRL debut for the North Queensland Cowboys during the 2011 season, spending four years with the club before joining the Knights in 2015.

"It is welcoming news to have a local junior such as Tariq join the club earlier than what had originally been expected," Dragons director of rugby league pathways Ian Millward said in a statement.

"Tariq is a natural leader having most recently been co-captain of the Newcastle Knights and we know that he will be a good fit for our club."

He will link up with the Dragons later this week.