Ciraldo apologises over Sims break

Penrith back-rower Cameron Ciraldo has apologised for his part in the incident that saw North Queensland’s Tariq Sims break his leg at the weekend.

Sims, 22, broke both bones in his left leg during the Cowboys’ 30-28 win in the freak accident, when he collided with Ciraldo while trying to ankle tap Travis Burns, as the Panthers half-back scored in the 53rd minute.

Ciraldo himself suffered a similar injury in 2009, and told Australian magazine Rugby League Week: “I felt terrible for the bloke – I could barely concentrate on the game after he went off.

“It brought back some dreadful memories for me and I felt so bad for him.”

Just hours before the game, Sims was told he would be New South Wales‘ 18th man for the first State of Origin clash on Wednesday, but Cowboys coach Neil Henry wasn’t impressed.

He said: “I wonder if (Ricky Stuart) would have the same view if he was coaching a club team that is playing that night and the player finds out an hour before kick-off.

“I don’t think that’s the ideal preparation for my player.”

It is another setback for Sims, who was only playing his sixth match of the season after returning from a horrific leg break suffered against Cronulla last season.