North Queensland Cowboys on comeback trail, led by James Tamou

THE Cowboys, humbled by the Titans in round 1, have a chance at redemption at Skilled Park with "new age" prop James Tamou helping their turnaround.

THE Cowboys pack, humbled by the Titans in round 1, has a chance at redemption tonight at Skilled Park, with "new age" prop James Tamou typifying the club's turnaround in fortunes since that disastrous start to the season.

Tamou, who is expected to sign a new extended deal with North Queensland next month, made a total of 77m in the 18-0 loss to Gold Coast in Townsville on March 3, a night when the home side's completion rate was its worst on record.

Last Sunday against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown, Tamou made an astonishing 228m, his athleticism leading to speculation NSW coach Ricky Stuart will play him in a wide running role in the return Origin match in Sydney on Wednesday week.

The Cowboys have won seven games and lost four since their bumbling round 1 effort, and tonight field the same pack which started against the Titans in Townsville.

The 26-18 loss to Wests Tigers last Sunday has reinforced the need for a win before the bye next weekend, and then a home match against the Broncos 48 hours after Origin II.

Tamou will be one of the first players picked for NSW on Sunday and depending on the make-up of the bench, after the scratching of Tony Williams through injury, could be given more of a wide running role.

Former Queensland lock Darren Smith believes Tamou has the pace to worry the Maroons on the edges.

"He can be a wide runner, and he can still do the job up the middle," Smith said. "He's what you call a new-age prop, with size, footwork and pace. He has been compared to (dual international) Brad Thorn, and they're both very good athletes.

"Brad played more of a power game when we were together at the Broncos."

Tamou's representative status means he can expect a handsome new deal, with football manager Peter Parr confirming contract talks would be held after Origin.

"James is already under contract until the end of 2013, but we will look to extend his stay," Parr said. "He shapes as a mainstay of our pack and my understanding is that he is keen to remain in Townsville."

Anthony Seibold, coach of Cowboys affiliate Mackay Cutter - an ex-Broncos and Canberra Raiders prop - has told the club he will be moving on at the end of the season following interest from at least one NRL club and rugby union.

Former Cowboys under-20s star Michael Parker-Walshe has been named in the Tweed Seagulls squad for Sunday's match against Wynnum at Piggabeen. Parker-Walsh was granted a release by the Cowboys to play Intrust Super Cup.