James Tamou

James Tamou (born 13 December 1988) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a prop and represented Australia and the New Zealand Maori at an international level. Tamou spent most of his career with the North Queensland Cowboys and was a member of their 2015 NRL Grand Final winning side

James Tamou

Personal information
Full name	James Tamou
Born	(1988-12-13) 13 December 1988 (age 35) Palmerston North, New Zealand
Playing information
Height	195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Weight	115 kg (18 st 2 lb)
Position	Prop
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2009–16 North Qld Cowboys 170 12 0 0 48 2017–20 Penrith Panthers 97 10 0 0 40 2021–22 Wests Tigers 38 4 0 0 16 2023 North Qld Cowboys 2 1 0 0 4 Total 307 27 0 0 108 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2008–10 New Zealand Māori 2 0 0 0 0 2012–16 Australia 12 2 0 0 8 2012–16 New South Wales 14 0 0 0 0 2013 NRL All Stars 1 0 0 0 0 2013 Prime Minister's XIII 1 0 0 0 0 2017 NSW City 1 1 0 0 4 2019 Māori All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
Source: ^[1]^[2]

Later in his career, he also played for the Penrith Panthers, who he captained to the 2020 NRL Grand Final, and the Wests Tigers who he captained to the 2022 wooden spoon. He also played at representative level for the NRL Allstars, NSW City, and New South Wales in the State of Origin series.

Background

 

Tamou in action for the Sydney Roosters NYC side against Parramatta in 2008

Tamou was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He is of Cook Island-Māori (Muaūpoko) and (Ngā Rauru) and is also of Danish descent.^[3][4]

He began playing junior rugby league in Levin for the Levin Knights in New Zealand. At the age of 13, Tamou moved with his family to Australia. He then played his junior rugby league for the Paddington Tigers and attended Matraville Sports High School in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.^[5]

Playing career

In 2007, he was the Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year and was selected to play for the Junior Kiwis.^[6][7] Tamou played for the Roosters' NYC team in 2008 and was one of the club's best performers, before signing for the North Queensland Cowboys for the 2009 season.^[8]

 

Tamou playing for the New Zealand Māori in 2008

In 2008, he represented New Zealand Maori, when they played Indigenous Dreamtime team in the 2008 World Cup curtain raiser, playing off the interchange bench in the 34–26 loss at Sydney Football Stadium.^[9]

2009

In round 8, Tamou made his NRL debut against the Parramatta Eels where he played off the interchange bench and scored a try in North Queensland's 18–28 loss at Parramatta Stadium.^[10] He finished his debut year in the NRL with 12 matches and two tries.

2010

In 2010, Tamou was named the North Queensland club's most improved player of the year, after playing in 19 matches and scoring a try. His good form was rewarded that year, when he re-signed with North Queensland for a further three years.^[11] On 16 October, Tamou once again represented New Zealand Māori when they faced England before the start of the 2010 Four Nations tournament.^[12]

2011

On 12 April, Tamou and teammate Blake Leary were suspended by the North Queensland club for one game for "breaking team alcohol rules".^[13] Tamou later played a major part in North Queensland's surge to the finals, finishing the season with him playing in 23 matches and scoring two tries. He averaged 108 metres per game.^[14] In September, Tamou was selected in New Zealand's train-on squad for the Four Nations, although he was not selected in the final squad.^[15]

2012

In April, despite just weeks earlier expressing his desire to represent New Zealand, Tamou pledged his allegiance to Australia and New South Wales. Tamou had received phone calls from then New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart and captain Paul Gallen about making the switch.^[16][17] On 20 April, Tamou made his Australian international in the Anzac Test, playing off the interchange bench in the 20–12 win at Eden Park.^[18] On 22 May, Tamou made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales, starting at prop in the Blues 10–18 loss at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.^[19][20] Tamou played in all three games of the series.^[21]

The 2012 NRL season was a breakout year for Tamou, playing in 24 matches and scoring two tries as well as averaging more metres per game than any other prop in the NRL. On 13 October, Tamou played for Australia in the trans-Tasman test, where he started at prop and scored a try in the 18–10 victory.^[22] On 10 December, Tamou re-signed with the Cowboys, keeping him at the club to the end of the 2016 season.^[23]

2013

On 19 April, Tamou was selected for Australia in the Anzac Test, starting at prop in the 32–12 win at Canberra Stadium in what was the first test match ever played in Canberra.^[24] In game 1 of the 2013 State of Origin series, Tamou was selected for New South Wales and started at prop in a 14–6 victory over Queensland at ANZ Stadium.^[25] Less than a week later, Tamou was fined $20,000 by the NRL and suspended for two NRL matches for drink driving and driving unlicensed in Townsville on 11 June.^[26] He was suspended for the second Origin match.^[27] Tamou returned in game 3, where New South Wales lost 12–10, resulting in Queensland winning the series 2–1.^[28]

In the club's elimination final match against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Tamou played his 100th NRL match in the 20–18 loss at Sydney Football Stadium.^[29] Tamou finished the year with 22 appearances for North Queensland. In October, he played for Australia in the World Cup, playing in 6 matches and scoring a try in the tournament.^[30] Tamou started at prop in the Kangaroos 34–2 World Cup Final victory over New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester.^[31]

2014

In February, Tamou was a member of North Queensland's victorious Auckland Nines side and was named in the Team of the Tournament.^[32] On 2 May, Tamou played in the 2014 Anzac Test against New Zealand, playing off the interchange bench in the 30–18 win.^[33] For the 2014 State of Origin series, Tamou played in all 3 matches in the Blues 2–1 series win, resulting in New South Wales winning its first series win since the 2005.^[34] In round 20, against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Tamou injured his neck, resulting with him being sidelined for a month.^[35] He returned in round 24.^[36] Tamou finished the season with him playing in 21 matches and scoring one try. He underwent neck surgery at the end of the season, ruling him out of Australia's Four Nations campaign.^[37]

2015

Early into the season, rumours were floating around about Tamou was going to offloaded from North Queensland to the Canberra Raiders after his bad performances in the Cowboys first 3 losses off the season, but later on Tamou returned to his best form when North Queensland went on their 11 match winning streak.^[38] On 3 May, Tamou played in the Anzac Test, playing off the interchange bench in the 12–26 loss.^[39] In the 2015 State of Origin series, Tamou played in all three matches, starting at prop for the Blues in their 2–1 series loss.^[40] On 4 October, Tamou was a member of North Queensland's 2015 NRL Grand Final winning side, starting at prop and scoring a try in the side's 17–16 victory over the Brisbane Broncos.^[41][42] Tamou finished his successful year with him playing in 24 matches and scoring two tries.

2016

On 2 February, Tamou played for North Queensland in the Auckland Nines.^[43] On 21 February 2016, Tamou was a member of the Cowboys' World Club Challenge winning side, starting at prop in the side's 38–4 victory over the Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium.^[44] On 6 May 2016, Tamou played for Australia against New Zealand, playing off the interchange bench in the 16–0 win at Hunter Stadium.^[45] On 16 June 2016, it was announced that Tamou had signed a four-year deal with the Penrith Panthers.^[46][47] In the 2016 State of Origin series, Tamou played in all 3 matches for New South Wales in their 2–1 series loss.^[48] Tamou finished his last year with the North Queensland Cowboys with him playing in 25 matches and scoring two tries in the 2016 NRL season.

2017

In February 2017, Tamou was named in Penrith's 2017 NRL Auckland Nines squad.^[49] In round 1 of the 2017 NRL season, Tamou made his club debut for the Penrith Panthers against the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he started at prop in the 10–42 loss at Jubilee Oval.^[50]

2018

In 2018, Tamou was not selected in the NSW Blues State of Origin squad for the second year in a row despite Penrith being on top of the table after 13 rounds and the player showing good form.^[51]

Tamou played a total of 25 games for Penrith in 2018 as the club qualified for the finals but were eliminated by Cronulla in week two of the finals series.^[52]

2019

Tamou made a total of 24 appearances for Penrith in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished a disappointing 10th place and missed out on the finals for the first time since 2015.^[53]

2020

Tamou played 22 games for Penrith in the 2020 NRL season as the club won the Minor Premiership and went on a 17-game unbeaten run to reach the 2020 NRL Grand Final. Tamou captained Penrith in the final where they lost to Melbourne 26–20. This would be Tamou's final game for the side as he had signed a contract to join the Wests Tigers in 2021.^[54]

2021

In round 1 of the 2021 NRL season, he made his debut for Wests Tigers in a 30–12 loss against Canberra.^[55] Tamou played a total of 19 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2021 NRL season as the club finished 13th and missed the finals.^[56]

2022

In round 23 of the 2022 NRL season, Tamou was sent off for dissent in Wests Tigers record 72–6 loss against the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.^[57] in the 2022 NRL season as the club finished bottom of the table and claimed the Wooden Spoon for the first time.^[58]

2023

Tamou signed a one-year deal to return to the North Queensland Cowboys for the 2023 NRL season, playing his first game off the bench in the side's round 1 win over the Canberra Raiders. Tamou's next appearance came in North Queensland's round 4 win over the Gold Coast Titans, where he scored a try but sustained a lisfranc injury and was sidelined for 21 weeks. On 17 August, Tamou announced he had played his final game for the North Queensland club and would retire effective immediately.^[59][60]

Tamou later signed with the Townsville Blackhawks for the 2024 Queensland Cup Season.

Achievements and accolades

Individual

• North Queensland Cowboys Most Improved: 2010
• North Queensland Cowboys Players' Player: 2012

Team

• 2013 Rugby League World Cup: Australia - winners
• 2014 NRL Auckland Nines: North Queensland Cowboys – winners
• 2015 NRL Grand Final: North Queensland Cowboys – winners
• 2016 World Club Challenge: North Queensland Cowboys – winners

Statistics

NRL

Statistics are correct to the end of round 10 in the 2023 season^[61]

†	Denotes seasons in which Tamou won a NRL Premiership.

Season	Team	Matches	T	G	GK %	F/G	Pts
2009	North Queensland Cowboys	12	2	0	—	0	8
2010		19	1	0	—	0	4
2011		23	2	0	—	0	8
2012		24	2	0	—	0	8
2013		22	0	0	—	0	0
2014		21	1	0	—	0	4
2015†		24	2	0	—	0	8
2016		25	2	0	—	0	8
2017	Penrith Panthers	26	3	0		0	12
2018		25	2	0		0	8
2019		24	4	0		0	16
2020		22	1	0		0	4
2021	Wests Tigers	19	2	0		0	8
2022		19	2	0		0	8
2023	North Queensland Cowboys	2	1
Career totals		307	27	0	—	0	108

State of Origin

†	Denotes seasons in which Tamou won a State of Origin Series

Season	Team	Matches	T	G	GK %	F/G	Pts
2012	New South Wales	3	0	0	—	0	0
2013	New South Wales	2	0	0	—	0	0
2014†	New South Wales	3	0	0	—	0	0
2015	New South Wales	3	0	0	—	0	0
2016	New South Wales	3	0	0	—	0	0
Career totals		14	0	0	—	0	0

International

Season	Team	Matches	T	G	GK %	F/G	Pts
2012	Australia	2	1	0	—	0	4
2013	Australia	7	1	0	—	0	4
2014	Australia	1	0	0	—	0	0
2015	Australia	1	0	0	—	0	0
2016	Australia	1	0	0	—	0	0
Career totals		12	2	0	—	0	8

Personal life

Tamou and his wife, Brittney Tamou, have four sons.^[62]

Tamou is the cousin of Huddersfield Giants player Kenny Edwards.^[63]

References

1. "James Tamou - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. 13 December 1988. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
2. . Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
3. "Kiwi-born Kangaroos forward wants to play for NZ Māori". Stuff.co.nz. 14 January 2019.
4. "Māori culture secret to tackling Indigenous All Stars". Te Ao Maori News. 7 December 2019.
5. "Kiwi Cowboys make up after brawl". NZ Herald. 15 October 2009.
6. Walter, Brad (18 May 2012). "Kiwi threats bounce off Tamou but memories of Big Artie elicit a tear". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
7. Josh Massoud. "How James Tamou lost out on a first grade spot to the Sydney Roosters mascot". Courier Mail.
8. Antony Stewart (22 July 2008). "NQ add muscle to squad". Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
9. Steven Williams. "Aboriginal side too good for Maori". League Unlimited.
10. "Jarryd Hayne inspires Parramatta to a 28–18 victory over the Cowboys". Perth Now. 1 May 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
11. Greenwood, Emma (10 February 2011). "Cowboy Tamou aims high". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
12. "League: Maori draw with England". The New Zealand Herald. 16 October 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
13. "North Queensland Cowboys suspend James Tamou and Blake Leary for breaking team alcohol rules". Fox Sports (Australia). 12 April 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
14. "James Tamou: NRL 2011". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
15. "Tamou grateful for Kiwis call-up". ABC News. 14 September 2011.
16. "Tamou turns back on New Zealand". nrl.com. 12 April 2012.
17. Peter Badel & Andrew Webster. "New Zealand-born prop James Tamou defends decision to play rep football for Australia". Fox Sports. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
18. "Lowdown on test blockbuster". Daily Telegraph.
19. "Tamou's biggest fear". Daily Telegraph.
20. "Live coverage State of Origin game one". Daily Telegraph.
21. "James Tamou keen to spoil Petero Civiniceva's Origin farewell". Daily Telegraph.
22. Ian McCullough (13 October 2012). "Australia grind it out in second half to win 18–10 over New Zealand in Townsville Test match". Fox Sports. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
23. "James Tamou ends speculation 2013 would be his last at North Queensland Cowboys, re-signs until 2016". Fox Sports. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
24. "Australia beats New Zealand 32–12 at Canberra Stadium". Daily Telegraph.
25. "NSW Blues beat Queensland 14–6 in State of Origin I". Daily Telegraph.
26. Nathan Ryan. "James Tamou's drink driving punishment harsh says Queensland skipper Cameron Smith". Fox Sports. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
27. "NSW blow as James Tamou stood down from Origin II over drink driving arrest". Fox Sports. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
28. "State of Origin match report: Maroons make it eight straight". The Sydney Morning Herald. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
29. Nicholas Janzen (11 September 2013). "Sharks v Cowboys preview". NRL.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
30. "Kangaroos World Cup squad includes three grand finalists, three players set to make debut". ABC News. 7 October 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
31. "New Zealand 2-34 Australia". BBC Sport.
32. Ben Glover (18 February 2014). "Next generation NRL stars shine with Auckland Nines team of the tournament packed with youngsters". Fox Sports. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
33. "Home – Live Scores & Latest News – Fox Sports". Fox Sports. 25 March 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
34. "State of Origin: NSW Blues beat Queensland Maroons to end eight-year drought". The Sydney Morning Herald. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
35. "Home – Live Scores & Latest News – Fox Sports". Fox Sports. 25 March 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
36. "A Johnathan Thurston-inspired North Queensland claim a deserved 22–10 win over South Sydney". Daily Telegraph.
37. Laine Clark. . NRL.com. Archived from the original on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
38. Peter Badel (25 March 2015). "Cowboys prop James Tamou is being shopped around to three rival clubs". Courier Mail.
39. Chris Garry (3 May 2015). "New Zealand's comprehensive victory over Australia could spell the end for coach Tim Sheens and several veterans". Courier Mail.
40. Matt Harris (8 July 2015). "Queensland clinch 2015 Origin series". NRL.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
41. "NRL Grand Final 2015: North Queensland Cowboys outgun Brisbane Broncos to win premiership". The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 October 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
42. "NRL Grand Final Player Ratings". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
43. . Rugby League Week. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
44. Cartwright, Phil (21 February 2016). "World Club Challenge: Leeds Rhinos 4-38 North Queensland Cowboys". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
45. Australia v New Zealand Trans-Tasman test live blog, scores, results , stats, video. News.com.au (7 May 2016). Retrieved on 11 June 2016.
46. "Panthers Confirm Signing of Cowboys Star James Tamou on a Four Year Deal". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
47. "NRL 2016: Panthers sign Cowboys star James Tamou on a four-year deal". Fox Sports. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
48. Kdouh, Fatima (6 July 2016). "NSW James Tamou Vows to Improve on Lacklustre Game Two Showing". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
49. Ben Glover (5 February 2017). "Auckland Nines 2017 final: Penrith Panthers planned to stick by Phil Gould". Fox Sports. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
50. "St George Illawarra Dragons cause boilover with thumping of Penrith Panthers". Smh.com.au. 4 March 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
51. "Ranking the Blues forward candidates for Origin". 23 May 2018.
52. "Cronulla eliminate Penrith in semi final showdown". WWOS.
53. "Blame game will not solve Panthers' problems". Western Weekender. 10 September 2019.
54. "Penrith confirm departure of six players". www.foxsports.com.au. 30 October 2020.
55. "Cronulla Sharks win scrappy clash with Dragons; Canberra Raiders beat Wests Tigers with dominant second half". ABC News. 14 March 2021.
56. Conrad, Alex (6 October 2021). "Wests Tigers fans savage the club's new-look logo". News.com.au.
57. "Roosters, Eels and Sharks add pre-finals drubbings to one-sided round of NRL". www.abc.net.au.
58. "Canberra Raiders hand out 56-10 NRL drubbing to Wests Tigers as Cronulla beats Newcastle Knights 38-16". www.abc.net.au.
59. "Tamou primed for last hurrah after retirement near misses". www.nrl.com.
60. "Cowboys premiership star James Tamou announces immediate NRL retirement". wwos.nine.com.au.
61. "Official NRL profile of James Tamou for Wests Tigers | NRL.com". National Rugby League. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
62. "James Tamou's wife Brittney McGlone stopped the Cowboys prop from leaving the club". Courier Mail.
63. Ben Horne. "Edwards making up for lost time in NRL". NRL.com.

External links

• Penrith Panthers profile
• North Queensland Cowboys profile