Shock NRL lifeline emerges for James Tamou after final Wests Tigers season

Rugby league veteran James Tamou is expected to shun offers from overseas to continue his glittering career in Australia.

`James Tamou of the Tigers and his team look dejected after a try during the round 25 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval, on September 04, 2022, in Sydney, Australia.

Tigers veteran James Tamou is reportedly set for a return to the Cowboys, six seasons after departing Townsville to sign with the Panthers.

The 33-year-old has reportedly been in contact with North Queensland powerbrokers, according to The Daily Telegraph.

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Cowboys coach Todd Payten held a meeting with the former Panther while in Sydney for Wednesday night’s Dally M Medal, where he won Coach of the Year.

Payten was said to have told the prop he wants him in his squad next season.

Tamou now appears likely to snub interest from the English Super League and return to the club where he made his debut.

James Tamou of the Tigers speaks with the referee during the round 19 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Wests Tigers.

Wakefield Trinity were one of the clubs interested in the 305-gamer, but Tamou and his family are keen to remain in Australia.

Tamou’s role at the club would be to mentor younger forwards after a stint with the Tigers.

If he is to sign with the Cowboys, reports suggest he would take a significant pay-cut, but the big man wants to play one more season in the NRL.

Last season, during the Tigers’ 72-6 demolition at the hands of the Roosters, there were fears the veteran had played his last game.

James Tamou and his partner Brittney McGlone.

Tamou was hit with a grade three contrary conduct charge for calling referee Ben Cummins “f**king incompetent” in the final two minutes of the clash.

The veteran prop was initially sin-binned in the dying minutes for saying “f**k off” but after his second outburst Cummins upgraded the binning to a send off.

The grade three charge carried a two-week suspension but Tamou fronted the judiciary and successfully had his ban downgraded to just `one game, allowing him a final game for the Tigers, which was also a 56-10 thrashing at the hands of the Raiders.

Originally published as Shock NRL lifeline emerges for James Tamou after final Wests Tigers season