North Queensland Cowboys re-sign prop James Tamou for three more years

THE North Queensland Cowboys have re-signed the first of their two off-contract superstars with James Tamou pledging allegiance until 2016.

James Tamou

THE North Queensland Cowboys have re-signed the first of their two off-contract superstars with James Tamou pledging allegiance until 2016.

Tamou, whose contract expired at the end of 2013, formally signed with the Cowboys for a further three years today.

In doing so, he rejected serious interest from the Parramatta Eels.

"There was interest from Sydney but I love it up here,” Tamou said.

"2016 is a long commitment but why would I want to be anywhere else.

"I was probably more relieved then excited when I finally signed.

"To be honest, the Cowboys were always my first choice.

"I have settled here well.”

Tamou has signed despite on-going drama with the NRL’s salary cap which is yet to be settled for next year.

He made his debut for NSW and Australia this year and is rated among the top three props in the NRL.

The Cowboys are still confident of re-signing Johnathan Thurston, the superstar five eighth who has courted interested from several NRL clubs.