St George Illawarra

After 18 months at the Knights in a dominant leadership role, Sims has only been able to make the starting 13 in Paul McGregor's side once since joining the Red V midway through last season.

The emergence of Paul Vaughan up front and the dominant back-row of Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson leaves the 27-year-old in unfamiliar territory for the first time since the 2013 season.

Hayne quit the NFL on Monday in a bid to play rugby union sevens at the Rio Olympics later this year.

Speculation is rife he will return to rugby league next year, after leaving in 2014 to pursue his American dream.

Sydney Roosters, who are around $600,000 under this year's salary cap - money that could be used a sign-on fee for Hayne - remain the favourites to snare the former Parramatta superstar.

Unwanted by Canberra after 133 games with the club, McCrone signed a two-year deal with the Dragons in October, adding depth and versatility to McGregor's squad with his ability to play halfback, five-eighth or hooker.

The former Temora Dragons junior spent seven years with the Raiders but was keen for a change of scenery after playing just four games in 2015 under coach Ricky Stuart.

"I'm happy Mary (McGregor) has given me the opportunity to come here and start fresh," McCrone said after Monday morning's training session in Wollongong.