Ben Hannant admits his NRL future rests on the shoulders of James Tamou

BEN Hannant has admitted that his future with the Cowboys is entirely reliant on wheather James Tamou re-signs with the club.

Ben Hannant is off contract at the end of the season.

BEN Hannant admits his NRL future rests on the shoulders of Cowboys teammate James Tamou.

Tamou is expected to accept a $3 million deal to join Penrith, but the NSW Origin prop is finding it difficult to say goodbye to the club he won a premiership with last year.

Tamou’s indecision has put Hannant’s future on hold, with the Cowboys waiting to determine whether there will be room for the veteran forward on their roster if Tamou stays.

Hannant, who has amassed 233 NRL games for four clubs, has interest from Super League outfits but the father-of-six is reluctant to move overseas.

Hannant, 31, said he was determined to play next season but admitted Tamou could squeeze him out of Townsville.

“We’ve got to wait and see what’s going on with James and a few others,” he said.

“I’m happy up here. The body feels great. I’m keen to keep going around.

“It’s a possibility (I could get squeezed out by Tamou). I’m good mates with him and at the end of the day it’s a business and I totally understand that.

“You’ve got to make hay while the sun shines. I don’t begrudge any player for doing what’s best for them and their family.

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“I’ll just keep playing good footy. It’s pointless losing sleep and panicking. All I can do is control what I can.’’

Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Justin O’Neill and Tamou will back up for the Cowboys against Newcastle in Townsville, but Michael Morgan will be rested after copping a head knock in Origin I on Wednesday.

Morgan’s absence will see Ray Thompson play his 100th NRL game, while Scott will overtake Aaron Payne as the third-most capped Cowboy with his 220th appearance.

“He’s not Michael Morgan but Ray will do a great job for us as he has done in the past,” coach Paul Green said.

Hannant is off contract at the end of the season.

“It’s a big moment for Ray. He’s worked hard and it will be a good achievement for him.’’

The Cowboys are coming off a loss to the Dragons, where they were without their five Origin stars, and Hannant said they wouldn’t be taking lowly Newcastle lightly.

“When you think it’s going to be an easy game, that’s when you get your pants pulled down,” he said.

“The effort was there. As much as we weren’t happy with the way it went, it was only a four-point difference. We know we can be better than that.”