Returning Newcastle Knights co-captain Tariq Sims is hoping to keep his discipline in check ahead of his first game of the 2016 Telstra Premiership against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Sims has been named in the back row in place of Jacob Saifiti who shifts back to an extended bench that includes the likes of twin brother Daniel and veteran Mickey Paea.
Sims' delayed season start is his second in as many seasons at the Knights.
A shoulder charge on Penrith's James Segeyaro in the final round of last season resulted in a five-game suspension and the 26-year-old is out to ensure he doesn't make "silly decisions" under fatigue.
Sims' return will also prove a huge boost for the Knights who have only managed a lone draw in their first five games of the year.
"I have to make sure I am as squeaky clean as I can be and make sure I'm doing a job for the team because if I'm sitting on the sideline I'm letting not only the club down but my teammates," Sims said.
"We haven't strung together a complete 80-minute performance yet. We have built on where we have come from but we need to put games to bed and compete for the entire game."
Newcastle's Auckland Nines campaign in February is the only taste of football Sims has had in 2016.
Otherwise, his off-season officially finished on Monday, and he is champing at the bit to add to his 19 games as a Knight.
"I have had big conditioning sessions where I would do mostly defensive work, because that's when I'm at my worst fatigue," Sims said.
"During fatigue, that's when we make silly decisions. If I can stay on top of that I'll move forward. I'm excited to put those days behind me."
Losing won't be accepted by Sims either this weekend.
"I don't like losing; it's something that doesn't really sit right with me. As long as the boys are all keen and ready to rip in I'll do all I physically and possibly can for the boys," Sims said.
"I'm going to bring as much controlled aggression as I can to the Tigers. I'm going to try and lead the boys attitude-wise."
