Sims ready for next step

Graduating from the Under 20’s this year, Newcastle Knights prop Korbin Sims has been working hard this pre-season to prove to coach Wayne Bennett that he is ready to step up in to the first grade.

“Last year we had Wayne and his staff come through and clean the place up, fitness and training wise so I had an idea what to expect this pre-season,” he said.

“Including what level of fitness I need to be at to perform well.

“Hopefully if I play to the best of my ability I will show Wayne I am ready but we will have to wait and see.”

Sims trained full-time with the first grade squad last season while playing in the Under 20’s and later this month will attend the Junior Emerging Maroons Camp.

“I have really enjoyed this pre-season especially having the new guys come in to the team,” Sims added.

“Jeremy (Smith) and Beau (Scott) are natural leaders and competitors and aren’t afraid to tell us what to do.

“Dave (Fa’alogo) is a little bit quieter but he has a lot of experience and when he talks you listen."

After a disappointing 2012, Sims says it is important that the team gets off to a good start when they take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks in their trial matches next month.

“It has been a long time since we have played and I am really looking forward to the trials and getting back on the field,” the 21-year-old said.

“We didn’t have a great year so hopefully everything goes well in the trials and we get off to a good start leading in to the season.”

Click here to read what Sims said about his Junior Maroons Camp selection.