Sims, the 25-year-old forward who debuted for Newcastle in 2013 and has played in 76 top-grade games, has agreed to join Brisbane after accepting a deal that is reportedly worth substantially less than he would have earned at the Knights.

His departure caps a horror week for Newcastle in which playmaker Jarrod Mullen tested positive to a banned steroid and forward Pauli Pauli suffered a dislocated hip in a car crash.

Adding to those setbacks, key recruit Rory Kostjasyn is recovering from a throat injury – which means Newcastle’s roster could be reduced by four players for the season-opener against the Warriors on March 5.

Sims is understood to have approached Knights officials recently about extending his deal but they deferred any decision to assess his early on-field performances. That prompted him to seek permission to explore other options, and the Broncos were quick to offer the enigmatic prop a cut-price contract. 

“The club carefully considered the request and following further discussions with Korbin and his management have decided to grant his release,”  Knights CEO Matt Gidley said.

“We thank Korbin for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

While Knights fans might be justifiably concerned about their team’s prospects this season, Gidley said the back-to-back wooden spooners were in “a very strong position to enter the player market and improve our squad for 2017 and beyond’’.

Scott, the 31-year-old Cowboys, Queensland and Kangaroos prop, is at the top of Newcastle’s wish list.

Knights officials have expressed interest but the Herald has been told they are yet to table a formal offer.

Born and bred in North Queensland, Scott is a one-club player but Newcastle might be in a position to outbid the Cowboys.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Scott said he would like his future settled sooner rather than later.

“It is something I do want to get on top of before we get into the season,” he was quoted as saying. 

“Hopefully I can sort something out with the Cowboys but I’m definitely not tied down up there.

“It’s probably my last big contract, so it’s very important that I get it right and make sure it’s right for myself and my family. If that’s moving clubs or staying at the Cowboys I’m yet to see.”

If the Knights do sign Scott, he would be unlikely to arrive before the end of this season.

“Any of the people that we’re looking to target are not players that the clubs are going to let go now, because the holding clubs are going to want to keep them,’’ Knights coach Nathan Brown said on Thursday.

Sims posted a parting comment on social media on Friday, accompanied by a picture of him and Mullen: “I'd like to thank the Knights for the career they gave me, it will not be forgotten. Excited about the new chapter of my life for my career and family. I miss my little mate #loveyoubrother.’’