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NRL 2021: Tariq Sims, Will Smith suffer facial lacerations in round 25 games

Jasper BruceNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: FOX SPORTS

The final week of the regular season proved particularly taxing for two NRL players, who both suffered the same rare injury in their respective games.

Dragons forward Tariq Sims and Eels playmaker Will Smith both sustained lacerations to their lips in their sides’ losses to South Sydney and Penrith, respectively.

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Recently told by the Dragons that he was free to negotiate with rival clubs this off-season, Sims suffered the more severe injury of the two.

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A nasty head clash with Rabbitohs forward Jacob Host left the Origin star concussed and bleeding profusely.

“He’s in trouble here, Sims,” 2004 Premiership winner Braith Anasta said in commentary.

“(Host) must have a head like granite,” added Fox League’s Dan Ginnane.

Sims left the field for a HIA and did not return. After the game, coach Anthony Griffin confirmed the 31-year-old had been taken to hospital.

“He’s in a pretty bad way. He’s got a really bad laceration to his lip,” Griffin told reporters.

“He’s gone straight to hospital.”

Sims was sent to hospital after the game. Image: Fox Sports
Camera IconSims was sent to hospital after the game. Image: Fox Sports Credit: FOX SPORTS

Brien Seeney, better known as the NRL Physio, posted a photo of both Sims’ and Smith’s injuries to social media on Sunday.

Unlike Sims, Smith was able to play out the duration of his side’s round 25 game — a 40-6 loss to his former club, Penrith.

Smith is likely to be available for selection this weekend, when the Eels face the Knights in an elimination final.

With one eye on the finals series, Eels coach Brad Arthur rested first-choice halves pairing Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown for the clash with Penrith. Their returns this weekend will push Smith either onto the bench or out of the 17.

Smith has started from the bench on 13 occasions already this season, most recently in Parramatta’s round 23 win over the Cowboys.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Tariq Sims, Will Smith suffer facial lacerations in round 25 games

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