Melbourne’s Sims to miss two weeks for high shot

Jasper Bruce | July 24, 2023

Melbourne will be without forward Tariq Sims for two games on their difficult run to the finals after he was charged over a high shot on Jackson Hastings.

Sims went to the sin bin just before halftime in Newcastle’s 26-18 upset win at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night.

The incident sparked a fracas between the sides and proved the impetus for a Newcastle surge. 

The Knights scored three tries while Sims was off the field, taking the lead and never surrendering it.

On Sunday, the match review committee offered Sims a two-match ban for his grade-two careless high tackle.

Sims will miss upcoming clashes with fellow premiership hopefuls Parramatta and Penrith.

If the 33-year-old unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the judiciary he will also miss the subsequent game against Canberra.

Sims was also cited for an earlier shoulder charge on Knights interchange forward Mat Croker.

He can accept a $3000 fine but risks missing a further two games by pleading his case.