AFTER years of bad luck, Tariq Sims could now get his own lucky break if Josh Jackson is rubbed out of this year’s State of Origin decider.

After going to Melbourne as the Blues’ 18th man last week, the Newcastle backrower appears the most likely replacement to claim Jackson’s bench spot for the game on July 8.

Jackson’s hopes were last night hanging by a thread after the Canterbury forward was hit with a grade two dangerous throw charge for a tackle on Penrith’s Jamie Soward.

MORE BLUES NEWS: Jennings clear to play Origin decider

media_camera Tariq Sims trains with the Blues last week.

His charge carries a two-game suspension even if he cops the early plea. If he fights the charge at the judiciary, and loses, he will be sidelined for three games.

Jackson’s only hope will be if he can get a downgrade at the judiciary on Wednesday night.

NSW coach Laurie Daley has options if Jackson is banned, including Dragons young gun Tyson Frizell, experienced Luke Lewis or his Sharks teammate Andrew Fifita.

Lewis has given the Blues great service over the years but was told this year that NSW was heading in a new direction.

Sims, 25, is overdue for some good luck after a career plagued by injury that included breaking his leg twice in exactly the same spot during his time at North Queensland.

Meanwhile, Michael Jennings is free to take his place in the NSW side despite his arrest on the weekend.

The Sydney Roosters stood Jennings down from last night’s match against St George Illawarra and fined him $10,000 after his arrest for offensive behaviour and hindering police. The full fine was $20,000 with $10,000 suspended.

Daley said he supported the punishment and Jennings would be available for selection for the decider.