NSW forward James Tamou aiming to become the best prop in rugby league

TWO months ago, James Tamou wouldn't dream he'd be standing where he is now - yet today, he's brave enough to dream of taking the next step.

TWO months ago, James Tamou wouldn't dream he'd be standing where he is now - yet today, he's brave enough to dream of taking the next step in his meteoric rise.

Asked if his goal was to become known as rugby league's best prop, the 114kg Blue giant responded without hesitation: "Absolutely. Why wouldn't I think that?

"I think most front-rowers want to be that. When you watch the old rugby league games, those guys had status and now we look back at them as legends. That is where I want to be when I am finished playing footy."

It's been a whirlwind two months for the 24-year-old following his selection for Australia in the April Test against New Zealand.

There was plenty of talk going into that game that Tamou would be targeted for special treatment after his decision to choose Australia over the country of his birth.

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But after refusing to take a backward step against the Kiwis, Tamou was fast-tracked straight into the Blues team.

And he came up with an Origin debut that has many believing he will now become the cornerstone of the Blues pack for years to come.

"It was a tough decision but, look, I grew up watching Origin and thinking it would be so unreal to play it and now doing it, living it, I don't regret my decision one bit," he said.

Asked if he had his time over, would he still choose Australia over New Zealand, he added: "Absolutely, easily, without a doubt. I don't regret my decision one bit."

But to make his dream of becoming the best prop in the world a reality, Tamou knows he now has to get over Matt Scott and Petero Civoniceva next Wednesday night.

Tamou is Scott's front-row partner at the Cowboys and Scott is currently rated the best prop in the game. Civoniceva is getting towards the end of his career but is the most capped forward in Origin history.

Tamou said he had absolute respect for both men.

"They are definitely two front-rowers that I look up to, especially playing with Matt Scott," he said.

"And I remember filling out profile sheets when I was younger and seeing a question; 'Who was your most respected opponent?' I put down Petero Civoniceva. He is definitely one of the most respected players in the NRL and that is where I want to be."

But while he respects both he said there was no room for fear on a footy field.

"No. I know not to have any fear because it doesn't belong on the footy field,' he explained.

"My only fear is letting people down, letting my family down, that is my only fear. But being on a footy field, heck no, fear doesn't belong there. That is something that I never, ever, have."

He does have regrets about his Origin debut, even though most think he more than matched his experienced rivals.

"I think I went out there playing not to let anyone down instead of going out there to play my best," he said.

"I played too safe. I could have got my hands on the ball more, could have been just more dominant using my presence, throw my weight around a bit, sort of demand respect.

"I know what I have to do game two, just go out there and be more dominant.

"Coming off game one, and this is why it is tough to swallow, I thought we outplayed them in the middle of the field.

"What matters is what's on the scoreboard. We know we can out play them and I think that is what we are going to do."

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