Ashton Sims on humble beginnings, the boardroom and lessons of a lifetime

This week on Chiming In, we sat down with a man who needs little introduction to rugby league fans. Ashton Sims, a veteran of over 360 professional games across the NRL and Super League, joined us to reflect on a career defined by resilience, family values and a transition into the world of sports administration.

The Sims Laws: A Foundation of Respect

While many know the Sims name as a sporting dynasty, Ashton opened up about the humble beginnings that shaped his character. Growing up in Gerringong as the son of a dairy farmer and a Fijian immigrant, life was not about material wealth but about the "Sims Laws" enforced at home.

Ashton recalled a childhood where luxury was a can of baked beans and a cold shower in the ocean, but the lessons were invaluable: be on time, be in uniform, and respect everyone but fear no one. These core values, instilled by his parents, became the bedrock of his professional career. He spoke with immense pride about his siblings, Tariq, Korbin, and Ruan, noting that while they achieved great success, it was their shared work ethic that truly defined them.

The Crossroads: A Life-Changing Conversation

A pivotal moment in Ashton’s life occurred at the age of 17. After a brush with underage drinking at a local pub, rugby league legend Mick Cronin visited the Sims household. He presented a young Ashton with a crossroads: continue down a path with "dickhead mates" or grab a career opportunity with both hands.

Ashton credits this blunt honesty with saving his career. It led him to a professional debut at just 18 with the St George Illawarra Dragons under Nathan Brown. He reflected fondly on his time in the Red V, describing that mid-2000s squad as perhaps the "best side never to win a competition," featuring greats like Mark Gasnier, Trent Barrett, and Shaun Timmins.

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

When his tenure at the Dragons came to an end, Ashton made the deliberate choice to move away from his support network to join the Brisbane Broncos under Wayne Bennett. This move was driven by a desire for growth, inspired by his childhood hero Arnold Schwarzenegger’s philosophy on staying outside one’s comfort zone.

Despite a well-documented high-pressure error in the 2008 semi-final, Ashton spoke about the importance of resilience. He explained that setbacks are the "true mark of a man" and that bouncing back from adversity is what ultimately builds a stronger character. This mental toughness served him well during successful stints at the North Queensland Cowboys and later at Warrington Wolves in the UK, where he became a fan favourite.

Leading the Next Generation

Today, Ashton has traded the front row for the front office as the Football Operations Manager for South Coast Group 7. He is passionate about ensuring that the grassroots of the game remain strong, overseeing growth in both junior and senior competitions.

His focus is now on being a "custodian" of the sport, with a particular emphasis on the exponential growth of the female game and supporting mental health initiatives alongside former teammate Dan Hunt. For Ashton, rugby league has provided everything — the food on his table and the roof over his head — and he is determined to leave the game in a better place than he found it.

Watch the full epiosde on Fanatics TV.

‍