TONY Smith believes Ashton Sims is heading to Warrington Wolves on the back of one of his ‘strongest ever seasons’.

The 29-year-old’s season at North Queensland Cowboys came to an end in a semi-final loss to Sydney Roosters, but Smith was already impressed.

“He’s had one of his strongest ever season, if not his strongest, so he’s really excited to be in good form and brining and building on that,” said Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby.

“He’s very excited about the next part of his career and he’s going to make a really good account of himself.

“He wants to come and improve us and I’m sure he’ll do that. He’s a great character and a big character, not only in stature but in his personality and I’m sure he’ll be a favourite.”

Half back Gareth O’Brien is also looking forward to teaming up with Sims, as well as new arrival Daryl Clark.

“I believe Ashton Sims is a big unit, so he’s going to bring a bit of aggression to our team, which is something we definitely need,” said O’Brien.

“I’ve played with Daryl Clark when I was on loan at Cas for a brief spell, so I know Daz pretty well. He’s going to bring nothing but quality to our side.”

Roy Asotasi, having joined Super League from the NRL last year, knows only too well as an opponent how good the Fiji skipper is.

“I highly rate him,” said Asotasi, who returned to Australia for a break after Wolves’ season ended.

“Towards the end of the NRL season just gone he was probably the most outstanding front rower in the game.

“He’s a big lad and brings aggression. He does add some punch in defence. He will bring that aggression to the team and the rest of the boys will enjoy that.”

Sims was a minder for Australia scrum half Jonathan Thurston in the North Queensland ranks and showed he has a good football brain too, displaying good handling skills.

“He played a bit of football, playing under Thurston,” said Asotasi. “Warrington do a similar thing. All the forwards love to play a bit of football here and I guess that’s what Tony Smith wants.

“He brings aggression and good ball skills too so I think it will be an easy slot for him in the side.”