North Queensland forward Tariq Sims will have scans on Monday on an ankle injury suffered in Country’s 26-all draw with City but is expected to miss the Cowboys’ clash with Brisbane on Friday night.

Sims limped off mid-way through the second half of the match at Dubbo’s Apex Oval as City snatched a thrilling late draw with three tries in the last six minutes.

Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen was another injury casualty for Country but coach Trent Barrett said Sims was more of a concern.

“Mullo is alright, Tariq is not flash but he will get scans (Monday),” Barrett said.

Sims has been impressive for the Cowboys this season and was solid for Country as he seeks to earn his first State of Origin berth.

The 24-year-old was on the cusp of Blues selection in 2011, when he was invited to train with the squad.

Since then he has suffered a broken leg twice and had recently begun to emerge as a Blues prospect again.

The loss of Sims is a blow to Paul Green’s Cowboys as they fight to find some momentum after an indifferent start to the year.

Their last start 42-14 win was just their third victory of the year after a 28-22 defeat of Canberra in round one and a 28-2 thumping of Newcastle in round five.

Their round nine contest against the Broncos in Townsville is the return bout of the side’s round two match at Suncorp Stadium, which was won by Brisbane 16-12.