By Jack Lacey-Hatton at MKM Stadium

Fiji legend Korbin Sims said bowing out at Hull was the perfect way to end his professional career despite a dramatic defeat to New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals.

Sims, who retired at Hull KR at the end of the domestic season, returned to Humberside after answering Fiji's injury SOS in this tournament for what proved to be his final appearance in the sport.

And the Bati very nearly caused an upset against the Kiwis that would have extended Sims’ career with a brave performance seeing them lead for the majority of the contest, only to go down 24-18 in the game of the tournament so far.

The prop also confirmed that he would not reverse his decision to quit the game again following a successful tournament for Fiji as the Australian-born 30-year-old heads back Down Under.

The moment New Zealand secured their spot in the RLWC2021 semi-finals!#RLWC2021 | @BBCSport | #NZLFIJ | @NZRL_Kiwis pic.twitter.com/dGbRMt6gBo
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 5, 2022

“I’m still done my body is finished,” said Sims. “I’ve spent a couple of years living away from my son, so it’s time for me to go back home and be a hands-on dad again.

“Six months ago, I made the decision to retire and had ruled myself out of the World Cup. But just before the England warm-up game, Kevin Naiqama called me and asked me again.

“I made the decision that was the way I would end my career and I couldn’t be happier to go out this way.

“It was great to sign off in Hull, I’ve really enjoyed my last two years living here. I’m not happy that we are finished but I’m glad I got to play another game in sunny old Hull.

“I went out on my terms and the way I started my career, in a World Cup at the highest level.

“After having the suspension and missing the final game of the regular (Super League) season this was the right way to go out.”

READ MORE: Match Report: New Zealand 24-18 Fiji

READ MORE: Match in Pictures: New Zealand 24-18 Fiji

Sims admitted that for a while he was thinking he would have to change his flight home, after Fiji threatened to repeat their sensational quarter-final win over the Kiwis from 2017.

They led 12-6 at half-time courtesy of tries from Maika Sivo and captain Kevin Naiqama and at one point looked to be destined to reach the final four for the fourth straight World Cup.

Although New Zealand’s fightback ended their run, Sims revealed his side always believed they could upset the odds to win the game.

“We had lots of belief out there especially in the first half and played really well,” he said. “A couple of silly errors were costly; they are a world class side and with the calibre of player they have you can’t give them easy metres.

“I know the feeling and the passion in this group. No matter who is in the team we always believe we can do something special and we almost did that again tonight.

“Some people might have been surprised with the first half, but we weren’t. We knew if we played our brand of footy, we’d be in a good position.

It's that man Kevin Naiqama again!

What a start to the second half from Fiji, they lead by 12 again.#RLWC2021 | @BBCSport | @fijirugbyleague | #NZLFIJ pic.twitter.com/le1Ut3nuXU
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 5, 2022

“I think we showed what we’re about, we took it to the Kiwis at the start of the game. This weather helped us as well, we wanted to force them down the pitch and force errors.

“We put up a good fight, that is the just the way it is – they are a great side and some calls didn’t go our way.

“Even though we didn’t make the semi-finals I feel we’ve made a lot of progress since the last tournament and continue to do so. 

“We back each other and I know the boys will continue to do that going forward."

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets