James Tamou
{{short description|Australia international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name = James Tamou
|fullname = James Tamou
|nickname =
|image = Jim Tamou.jpg
|image_size = 150
|caption =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|12|13|df=yes}}
|birth_place = Palmerston North, New Zealand
|height = {{convert|195|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|115|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|position = {{rlp|PR}}
|club1 = {{nowrap|North Qld Cowboys}}
|year1start = 2009
|year1end = 16
|appearances1 = 170
|tries1 = 12
|goals1 = 0
|fieldgoals1 = 0
|points1 = 48
|club2 = Penrith Panthers
|year2start = 2017
|year2end = 20
|appearances2 = 97
|tries2 = 10
|goals2 = 0
|fieldgoals2 = 0
|points2 = 40
|club3 = Wests Tigers
|year3start = 2021
|year3end = 22
|appearances3 = 38
|tries3 = 4
|goals3 = 0
|fieldgoals3 = 0
|points3 = 16
|club4 = North Qld Cowboys
|year4start = 2023
|year4end =
|appearances4 = 2
|tries4 = 1
|goals4 = 0
|fieldgoals4 = 0
|points4 = 4
|teamA = {{nowrap|New Zealand Māori}}
|yearAstart = 2008
|yearAend = 10
|appearancesA = 2
|triesA = 0
|goalsA = 0
|fieldgoalsA = 0
|pointsA = 0
|teamB = {{rlnt|Australia}}
|yearBstart = 2012
|yearBend = 16
|appearancesB = 12
|triesB = 2
|goalsB = 0
|fieldgoalsB = 0
|pointsB = 8
|teamC = New South Wales
|yearCstart = 2012
|yearCend = 16
|appearancesC = 14
|triesC = 0
|goalsC = 0
|fieldgoalsC = 0
|pointsC = 0
|teamD = NRL All Stars
|yearDstart = 2013
|yearDend =
|appearancesD = 1
|triesD = 0
|goalsD = 0
|fieldgoalsD = 0
|pointsD = 0
|teamE = {{nowrap|Prime Minister's XIII}}
|yearEstart = 2013
|yearEend =
|appearancesE = 1
|triesE = 0
|goalsE = 0
|fieldgoalsE = 0
|pointsE = 0
|teamF = NSW City
|yearFstart = 2017
|yearFend =
|appearancesF = 1
|triesF = 1
|goalsF = 0
|fieldgoalsF = 0
|pointsF = 4
|teamG = {{nowrap|Māori All Stars}}
|yearGstart = 2019
|yearGend =
|appearancesG = 1
|triesG = 0
|goalsG = 0
|fieldgoalsG = 0
|pointsG = 0
|retired = yes
|source = {{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/james-tamou/summary.html |title=James Tamou - Career Stats & Summary |publisher=Rugby League Project |date=1988-12-13 |access-date=2017-03-30}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.aspx?s%3Dplayer-profile-display%26id%3D3559%26player%3Djames-tamou%26team%3DCowboys |title=James Tamou - North Queensland Cowboys |access-date=2011-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013142510/http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.aspx?s=player-profile-display&id=3559&player=james-tamou&team=Cowboys |archive-date=13 October 2011 }}
|updated = 25 March 2023
| module = {{infobox person
| embed = yes
| father =
| relatives = Kenny Edwards (cousin)
}}
}}
James Tamou (born 13 December 1988) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a {{rlp|pr}} for the Townsville Blackhawks on the Queensland Cup
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
File:James Tamou Roosters.jpg 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/109911784/kiwiborn-kangaroos-forward-james-tamou-wants-to-play-for-nz-mori |title= Kiwi-born Kangaroos forward wants to play for NZ Māori |publisher=Stuff |date=14 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/maori-culture-secret-tackling-indigenous-all-stars |title=Māori culture secret to tackling Indigenous All Stars |publisher=Te Ao Maori News |date=7 December 2019}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/nrl-kiwi-cowboys-make-up-after-brawl/DEIMNK4LVPFA3EZAHKXBQRZPNA/ |title=Kiwi Cowboys make up after brawl |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 October 2009}}
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.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/state-of-origin/kiwi-threats-bounce-off-tamou-but-memories-of-big-artie-elicit-a-tear-20120517-1ytmz.html
|title=Kiwi threats bounce off Tamou but memories of Big Artie elicit a tear|last=Walter|first=Brad|date=18 May 2012|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=18 May 2012}}{{cite news| work= Courier Mail| title=How James Tamou lost out on a first grade spot to the Sydney Roosters mascot| author=Josh Massoud| url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/how-james-tamou-lost-out-on-a-first-grade-spot-to-the-sydney-roosters-mascot/story-e6frep5x-1226473741447#}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/07/22/14813_cowboys.html|title=NQ add muscle to squad|author=Antony Stewart|date=22 July 2008|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=4 November 2011}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://leagueunlimited.com/news/aboriginal-side-too-good-for-maori/?redo=1|title=Aboriginal side too good for Maori|author=Steven Williams|publisher=League Unlimited}}
=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.{{cite news| work=Perth Now| title=Jarryd Hayne inspires Parramatta to a 28–18 victory over the Cowboys| url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/hayne-sparks-electric-eels-to-life/story-e6frg12c-1225706153927|access-date=26 March 2016|date=1 May 2009}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/02/10/148645_local-sport-news.html|title=Cowboy Tamou aims high|last=Greenwood|first=Emma|date=10 February 2011|work=The Cairns Post|access-date=4 November 2011}} On 16 October, Tamou once again represented New Zealand Māori when they faced England before the start of the 2010 Four Nations tournament.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10681035&ref=rss|title=League: Maori draw with England|date=16 October 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=6 October 2011}}
=2011=
On 12 April, Tamou and teammate Blake Leary were suspended by the North Queensland club for one game for "breaking team alcohol rules".{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys-suspend-james-tamou-and-blake-leary-for-breaking-teams-alcohol-rules/story-fn2mcuj6-1226037911824|title=North Queensland Cowboys suspend James Tamou and Blake Leary for breaking team alcohol rules|date=12 April 2011|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|access-date=4 November 2011}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ni04MTktNC0tLS0tLTEzODYwLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|title=James Tamou: NRL 2011|work=www.rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=4 November 2011}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-14/tamou-grateful-for-kiwis-call-up/2899252|title=Tamou grateful for Kiwis call-up|work=ABC News|date=14 September 2011}}
=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.{{cite news|url=http://www.nrl.com/cowboys-duo-confirm-loyalty-to-roos,-blues/tabid/10874/newsid/66856/default.aspx|title=Tamou turns back on New Zealand|work=nrl.com|date=12 April 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/new-zealand-born-prop-james-tamou-defends-decision-to-play-rep-football-for-australia/story-fn2mcuhw-1226327413648|author=Peter Badel & Andrew Webster|title=New Zealand-born prop James Tamou defends decision to play rep football for Australia|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} 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.{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=Lowdown on test blockbuster| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/lowdown-on-test-blockbuster/story-e6frexni-1226334489834}} 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.{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=Tamou's biggest fear| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/tamous-biggest-fear/story-e6frexv9-1226359985161}}{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=Live coverage State of Origin game one| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/live-coverage-state-of-origin-game-one/story-e6frexv9-1226364788874}} Tamou played in all three games of the series.{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=James Tamou keen to spoil Petero Civiniceva's Origin farewell| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/jame-tamou-keen-to-spoil-petero-civonicevas-origin-farewell/story-e6frexv9-1226403499035}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/australia-grind-it-out-in-second-half-to-win-18-10-over-new-zealand-in-townsville-test-match/story-fn2mcuhw-1226495026875|title=Australia grind it out in second half to win 18–10 over New Zealand in Townsville Test match|author=Ian McCullough|date=13 October 2012|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} On 10 December, Tamou re-signed with the Cowboys, keeping him at the club to the end of the 2016 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/james-tamou-ends-speculation-2013-would-be-his-last-at-north-queensland-cowboys-re-signs-until-2016/story-fn2mcuj6-1226533707020|title=James Tamou ends speculation 2013 would be his last at North Queensland Cowboys, re-signs until 2016|date=10 December 2012|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}}
=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.{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=Australia beats New Zealand 32–12 at Canberra Stadium| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/australia-beats-new-zealand-32-12-at-canbera-stadium/story-e6frexnr-1226624627487}} 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.{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=NSW Blues beat Queensland 14–6 in State of Origin I| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nsw-blues-beat-queensland-14-6-in-state-of-origin-i/story-fni3fqyo-1226658129708}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/james-tamous-drink-driving-punishment-harsh-says-queensland-skipper-cameron-smith/story-e6frf3ou-1226662794852|title=James Tamou's drink driving punishment harsh says Queensland skipper Cameron Smith|author=Nathan Ryan|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} He was suspended for the second Origin match.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nsw-blow-as-james-tamou-stood-down-from-origin-ii-over-drink-driving-arrest/story-fn2mcuj6-1226661836655|title=NSW blow as James Tamou stood down from Origin II over drink driving arrest|date=12 June 2013|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} Tamou returned in game 3, where New South Wales lost 12–10, resulting in Queensland winning the series 2–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/another-year-of-pain-as-maroons-make-it-eight-straight-20130717-2q4vq.html|title=State of Origin match report: Maroons make it eight straight|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=17 July 2013|access-date=25 March 2016}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/sharks-v-cowboys-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/74598/default.aspx|author=Nicholas Janzen|title=Sharks v Cowboys preview|work=NRL.com|date=11 September 2013|access-date=25 March 2016}} 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/only-three-grand-finalists-kangaroos-squad-boyd-cordner-to-debut/5002622 |title=Kangaroos World Cup squad includes three grand finalists, three players set to make debut |work=ABC News |date=7 October 2013|access-date=25 March 2016}} Tamou started at prop in the Kangaroos 34–2 World Cup Final victory over New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/25168674|title = New Zealand 2-34 Australia|work = BBC Sport}}
=2014=
In February, Tamou was a member of North Queensland's victorious Auckland Nines side and was named in the Team of the Tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/next-generation-nrl-stars-shine-with-auckland-nines-team-of-the-tournament-packed-with-youngsters/story-fn2mcuj6-1226830434919|title=Next generation NRL stars shine with Auckland Nines team of the tournament packed with youngsters|date=18 February 2014|author=Ben Glover|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} On 2 May, Tamou played in the 2014 Anzac Test against New Zealand, playing off the interchange bench in the 30–18 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/courageous-new-zealand-give-australia-a-scare-in-transtasman-rugby-league-test/story-fn2mcuhw-1226903730353|title=Home – Live Scores & Latest News – Fox Sports|date=25 March 2016|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/state-of-origin-nsw-blues-beat-queensland-maroons-to-end-eightyear-drought-20140618-zsdxd.html|title=State of Origin: NSW Blues beat Queensland Maroons to end eight-year drought|work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=18 June 2014 |access-date=25 March 2016}} In round 20, against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Tamou injured his neck, resulting with him being sidelined for a month.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/breaking-news/north-queensland-forward-james-tamou-suffers-possible-neck-injury-in-win-over-canterbury/news-story/4c824aeb7fa6e9abcf9843780b373fc3|title=Home – Live Scores & Latest News – Fox Sports|date=25 March 2016|work=Fox Sports|access-date=25 March 2016}} He returned in round 24.{{cite news| work= Daily Telegraph| title=A Johnathan Thurston-inspired North Queensland claim a deserved 22–10 win over South Sydney| url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/a-johnathan-thurstoninspired-north-queensland-claim-a-deserved-2210-win-over-south-sydney/news-story/392f4ff4119c63753436f328e253e812}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/james-tamou-to-undergo-neck-surgery/tabid/10874/newsid/83137/default.aspx?cid=NRL_HP_Latest|title=James Tamou to undergo neck surgery|author=Laine Clark|work=NRL.com|access-date=23 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723181355/http://www.nrl.com/james-tamou-to-undergo-neck-surgery/tabid/10874/newsid/83137/default.aspx?cid=NRL_HP_Latest|url-status=dead}}
=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.{{cite news| work= Courier Mail| title=Cowboys prop James Tamou is being shopped around to three rival clubs| url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/cowboys/cowboys-prop-james-tamou-is-being-shopped-around-to-three-rival-nrl-clubs/news-story/038cd8fb8d06d1b3af9c4928c597e211|author=Peter Badel|date=25 March 2015}} On 3 May, Tamou played in the Anzac Test, playing off the interchange bench in the 12–26 loss.{{cite news| work= Courier Mail| title=New Zealand's comprehensive victory over Australia could spell the end for coach Tim Sheens and several veterans| url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/anzac-test-new-zealands-comprehensive-defeat-of-australia-could-spell-the-end-for-coach-tim-sheens-and-several-veterans/story-fnp0lyn6-1227332702787|author=Chris Garry|date=3 May 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/queensland-clinch-2015-origin-series/tabid/10874/newsid/87758/default.aspx|title=Queensland clinch 2015 Origin series|work=NRL.com|author=Matt Harris|date=8 July 2015|access-date=25 March 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/nrl-grand-final-2015-north-queensland-cowboys-outgun-brisbane-broncos-to-win-premiership-20151004-gk12is.html|title=NRL Grand Final 2015: North Queensland Cowboys outgun Brisbane Broncos to win premiership|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=4 October 2015|access-date=25 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-player-ratings-broncos-v-cowboys-who-starred-and-who-struggled/story-fni3fbgz-1227556818349?sv=d513a72ed0eabb4bbeaad8561926d617|title=NRL Grand Final Player Ratings|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=12 October 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/cowboys-name-strong-2016-nines-squad/|title=Cowboys name strong Nines squad – Rugby League Week|work=Rugby League Week|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204133131/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/cowboys-name-strong-2016-nines-squad/|archive-date=4 February 2016|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news |last=Cartwright |first=Phil |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/35588952 |title=World Club Challenge: Leeds Rhinos 4-38 North Queensland Cowboys |work=BBC Sport |date=2016-02-21 |accessdate=2022-05-26}} On 6 May 2016, Tamou played for Australia against New Zealand, playing off the interchange bench in the 16–0 win at Hunter Stadium.[http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-coverage-of-the-anzac-test-between-australia-and-new-zealand-at-hunter-stadium-newcastle/news-story/5300bf4c11d489981ee82f5d0622f823 Australia v New Zealand Trans-Tasman test live blog, scores, results , stats, video]. News.com.au (7 May 2016). Retrieved on 11 June 2016. On 16 June 2016, it was announced that Tamou had signed a four-year deal with the Penrith Panthers.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2016-panthers-confirm-signing-of-cowboys-star-james-tamou-on-a-fouryear-deal/news-story/4f52ee7e1ccf010624477fc9a459dafe |title=Panthers Confirm Signing of Cowboys Star James Tamou on a Four Year Deal |website=Dailytelegraph.com.au |access-date=2017-03-30}}{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/panthers/nrl-2016-panthers-confirm-signing-of-cowboys-star-james-tamou-on-a-fouryear-deal/news-story/4f52ee7e1ccf010624477fc9a459dafe |title=NRL 2016: Panthers sign Cowboys star James Tamou on a four-year deal |work=Fox Sports |date=2016-06-16 |access-date=2017-03-30}} In the 2016 State of Origin series, Tamou played in all 3 matches for New South Wales in their 2–1 series loss.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2016-nsw-james-tamou-vows-to-improve-on-lacklustre-game-two-showing/news-story/fd668e8da1c4c86ac78f3da8f9854e35 |title=NSW James Tamou Vows to Improve on Lacklustre Game Two Showing |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=6 July 2016 |access-date=2017-03-30|last1=Kdouh |first1=Fatima }} 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.{{cite web|author=Ben Glover |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/auckland-nines/james-tamou-reveals-penrith-panthers-were-due-on-flight-to-sydney-before-nines-final/news-story/df1dd327181ec4985f858fc3f6d5412a |title=Auckland Nines 2017 final: Penrith Panthers planned to stick by Phil Gould |work=Fox Sports |date=2017-02-05 |access-date=2017-03-30}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/impressive-st-george-illawarra-dragons-embarrass-early-nrl-premiership-favourites-penrith-panthers-20170304-guqrir.html |title=St George Illawarra Dragons cause boilover with thumping of Penrith Panthers |website=Smh.com.au |date=2017-03-04 |access-date=2017-03-30}}
=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/05/23/ranking-the-nsw-blues-forward-candidates-for-state-of-origin/|title = Ranking the Blues forward candidates for Origin|date = 23 May 2018}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-cronulla-sharks-eliminate-penrith-panthers-in-semi-final-showdown/29379509-6ed0-4fd7-9ba7-a4ee3708dbf0/|title=Cronulla eliminate Penrith in semi final showdown|website=WWOS|date=14 September 2018 }}
=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.{{cite web|url=https://westernweekender.com.au/2019/09/blame-game-will-not-solve-panthers-problems/|title=Blame game will not solve Panthers' problems|website=Western Weekender|date=10 September 2019}}
=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2020-transfer-centre-contract-news-offcontract-players-melbourne-storm/news-story/a1d403f5fbebe2b170174ad5103d6665|title=Penrith confirm departure of six players|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=30 October 2020}}
=2021=
In round 1 of the 2021 NRL season, he made his debut for Wests Tigers in a 30–12 loss against Canberra.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-14/sharks-win-messy-clash-with-dragons-raiders-beat-tigers-nrl/13245750/|title=Cronulla Sharks win scrappy clash with Dragons; Canberra Raiders beat Wests Tigers with dominant second half|newspaper=ABC News|date=14 March 2021}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-fans-savage-the-clubs-newlook-logo/news-story/83f356c5f7c0d336d950d750f4e054b5/|title=Wests Tigers fans savage the club's new-look logo|newspaper=News.com.au|date=6 October 2021|last1=Conrad|first1=Alex}}
=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.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-20/nrl-round-23-one-sided-games-roosters-sharks-eels/101352520/|title=Roosters, Eels and Sharks add pre-finals drubbings to one-sided round of NRL|newspaper=ABC News|date=20 August 2022 }} in the 2022 NRL season as the club finished bottom of the table and claimed the Wooden Spoon for the first time.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-04/nrl-knights-sharks-tigers-raiders/101402294/|title=Canberra Raiders hand out 56-10 NRL drubbing to Wests Tigers as Cronulla beats Newcastle Knights 38-16|newspaper=ABC News|date=4 September 2022 }}
=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/08/16/tamou-primed-for-last-hurrah-after-retirement-near-misses/|title=Tamou primed for last hurrah after retirement near misses|website=www.nrl.com|date=16 August 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2023-north-queensland-cowboys-fan-favourite-james-tamou-announced-immadiate-retirement/7d5a47b7-93cd-4e43-9d71-e3c4d9fdf470/|title=Cowboys premiership star James Tamou announces immediate NRL retirement|website=wwos.nine.com.au|date=17 August 2023 }}
Tamou later signed with the Townsville Blackhawks for the 2024 Queensland Cup Season.
Achievements and accolades
=Individual=
=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{{Cite web |title=Official NRL profile of James Tamou for Wests Tigers {{!}} NRL.com |url=https://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-premiership/wests-tigers/james-tamou/ |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=National Rugby League |language=en}}
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|†
|Denotes seasons in which Tamou won a NRL Premiership. |
| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:85%;" | |||||
| width=2%|Season
!width=8%|Team !width=2%|Matches !width=2%|T !width=2%|G !width=2%|GK % !width=2%|F/G !width=2%|Pts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2009
| rowspan="8" style="text-align:center;" |{{leagueicon|North Queensland|16}} North Queensland Cowboys | 12|| 2|| 0|| —|| 0|| 8 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2010 | 19 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 4 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2011
| 23|| 2|| 0|| —|| 0|| 8 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2012 | 24 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 8 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2013
| 22|| 0|| 0|| —|| 0|| 0 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2014 | 21 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 4 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#afe6ba;"| 2015†
| 24|| 2|| 0|| —|| 0|| 8 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2016 | 25 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 8 |
| 2017
| rowspan="4" |{{leagueicon|Penrith|16}} 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
| rowspan="2" |{{leagueicon|Wests Tigers|16}} Wests Tigers |19 |2 |0 | |0 |8 | |||||
| 2022
|19 |2 |0 | |0 |8 | |||||
| 2023
|{{leagueicon|North Queensland|16}} North Queensland Cowboys |2 |1 | | | | | |||||
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan="2" | Career totals ! 307 ! 27 ! 0 ! — ! 0 ! 108 |
=State of Origin=
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#f9f025; width:3em;"|†
|Denotes seasons in which Tamou won a State of Origin Series |
| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:85%;" | |||||
| width=2%|Season
!width=8%|Team !width=2%|Matches !width=2%|T !width=2%|G !width=2%|GK % !width=2%|F/G !width=2%|Pts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2012
|style="text-align:center;"|New South Wales | 3|| 0|| 0|| —|| 0|| 0 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2013 |style="text-align:center;"|New South Wales | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;background:#f9f025; font-weight:normal"| 2014†
|style="text-align:center;"|New South Wales | 3|| 0|| 0|| —|| 0|| 0 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2015 |style="text-align:center;"|New South Wales | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2016
|style="text-align:center;"|New South Wales | 3|| 0|| 0|| —|| 0|| 0 | |||||
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2| Career totals ! 14 ! 0 ! 0 ! — ! 0 ! 0 |
=International=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:85%;" | |||||
| width=2%|Season
!width=8%|Team !width=2%|Matches !width=2%|T !width=2%|G !width=2%|GK % !width=2%|F/G !width=2%|Pts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2012
|style="text-align:center;"|Australia | 2|| 1|| 0|| —|| 0|| 4 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2013 |style="text-align:center;"|Australia | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 4 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2014
|style="text-align:center;"|Australia | 1|| 0|| 0|| —|| 0|| 0 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2015 |style="text-align:center;"|Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2016
|style="text-align:center;"|Australia | 1|| 0|| 0|| —|| 0|| 0 | |||||
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2| Career totals ! 12 ! 2 ! 0 ! — ! 0 ! 8 |
Personal life
Tamou and his wife, Brittney Tamou, have four sons.{{cite news| work= Courier Mail| title=James Tamou's wife Brittney McGlone stopped the Cowboys prop from leaving the club| url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/james-tamous-wife-brittney-mcglone-stopped-the-cowboys-prop-from-leaving-the-club/story-fnihsrk2-1227554796242}}
Tamou is the cousin of Huddersfield Giants player Kenny Edwards.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/edwards-making-up-for-lost-time-in-nrl/tabid/10874/newsid/76751/default.aspx|title=Edwards making up for lost time in NRL|author=Ben Horne|work=NRL.com|access-date=8 January 2015|archive-date=8 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108222928/http://www.nrl.com/edwards-making-up-for-lost-time-in-nrl/tabid/10874/newsid/76751/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/penrith-panthers/james-tamou/ Penrith Panthers profile]
- [http://www.cowboys.com.au/team/profiles/james-tamou.html North Queensland Cowboys profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723183018/http://www.cowboys.com.au/team/profiles/james-tamou.html |date=23 July 2015 }}
{{North Queensland Cowboys squad}}
{{Rugby league footballers with 300 NRL games}}
{{North Queensland Cowboy 2014 Auckland Nines Champions}}
{{North Queensland Cowboys squad - 2015 NRL premiers}}
{{North Queensland Cowboys - 2016 World Club Challenge winners}}
{{Australia 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tamou, James}}
Category:Australia national rugby league team players
Category:New South Wales City Origin rugby league team players
Category:New South Wales Rugby League State of Origin players
Category:New Zealand emigrants to Australia
Category:New Zealand Māori rugby league team players
Category:New Zealand people of Danish descent
Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Cook Island descent
Category:North Queensland Cowboys players
Category:Northern Pride RLFC players
Category:NRL All Stars players
Category:Penrith Panthers captains
Category:People educated at Matraville Sports High School
Category:Prime Minister's XIII players
Category:Rugby league players from Palmerston North