‘Couldn’t have asked for more’: Cowboys cult hero Tamou calls time on illustrious NRL career

Cowboys cult hero James Tamou has announced his immediate retirement in the middle of his team’s loss to Cronulla.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: James Tamou of the Cowboys greets fans during the round one NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canberra Raiders at Qld Country Bank Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

North Queensland Cowboys fan favourite James Tamou has announced he has retired from the NRL effective immediately.

The 34-year-old broke the news at halftime of his side’s clash with the Sharks, having played 307 first grade games since making his debut for the Cowboys in 2009.

Tamou also had stints with the Panthers and Tigers, before returning for one last season in Townsville where he will finish his career.

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He was also a member of the Cowboys’ 2015 premiership-winning squad and has been sidelined this season due to a Lisfranc injury.

“I’ve just announced it to the world, but internally I sort of knew,” Tamou said on WWOS.

“I couldn’t have asked for more. I’ve been around the world and I was very lucky and fortunate to come up here one last time. Unfortunately you have to listen to the body.

Former teammate turned pundit Johnathan Thurston quizzed Tamou on his favourite moment of his career.

James Tamou. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images.

“Of course, as you get older you realise ... premierships are hard to come by, so the 2015 premiership with the Cowboys,” he said.

“There are some great memories up here and what a way to finish it up here as well.

“I made lifelong friends, and that is the benefit of what rugby league brings. Some people treat it as a job but others, a lifestyle.

“I have been fortunate to be in the game long enough to withstand the long-term things and have long-term relationships on the way.”

Tamou also played 12 Tests for the Kangaroos and earned 14 caps for the NSW Blues, featuring in State of Origin between 2012 and 2016.

Originally published as ‘Couldn’t have asked for more’: Cowboys cult hero Tamou calls time on illustrious NRL career