Suspended and fined for DUI offence - James Tamou to appeal penalty

THE NRL has been hit with an appeal on behalf of suspended North Queensland Cowboys prop James Tamou.

James Tamou

THE NRL has been hit with an appeal on behalf of suspended Cowboys prop James Tamou, who has questioned the process that led to his severe punishment for high-range drink driving.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) yesterday sent a letter to NRL boss Dave Smith on Tamou's behalf, protesting the axed NSW player's treatment.

Tamou was given five working days to respond to his breach notice, which included a two-game ban and $20,000 fine.

The 24-year-old has accepted the ban - which effectively constitutes a $30,000 fine in lieu of missing his Origin II match payment - was appropriate.

But it's understood neither he, the Cowboys nor the RLPA are satisfied with the $20,000 fine being imposed after the NRL Integrity Unit had initially arrived at a two-match suspension.

It was later revealed that Smith threw his weight into the process, demanding Tamou be fined an extra amount after the player and Cowboys officials were informed of the initial punishment.

When contacted last night, RLPA boss David Garnsey refused to detail the contents of the letter he'd sent on Tamou's behalf.

"I can confirm we've sent a letter on behalf of James," Garnsey said. "But I'm not at liberty to reveal the details."

Tamou's manager Sam Ayoub also declined to comment. But public remarks from both Tamou and Cowboys officials indicate they do not agree with Smith's move to whack him with an additional financial penalty.

In his first and only interview since blowing 0.197 - nearly four times over the limit - while driving through Townsville unlicensed on 10 April, Tamou was contrite.

But he only expressed support for the ban. "To miss Origin hurts big time," Tamou told The Courier Mail. "I'll cop the ban. I let a lot of people down, not just in football. If anything, this will only make me stronger as a person and I can't wait to get back."

Under its rules, Smith must re-consider the punishment. Should it stand, Tamou can approach the NRL appeals committee.

He's due to return to the field next Sunday night against Cronulla in Townsville.