Cowboys premiership star makes big call on future

Cowboys fan favourite James Tamou has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL.Tamou had been hoping to have the chance at playing a farewell game after suffering a foot injury back in round three.He retires having played 307 first grade games. He was a member of the Cowboys' 2015 premiership-winning team.Tamou spent eight years in Townsville before stints at Penrith and the Wests Tigers. He signed a one-year deal for this season to return to the Cowboys."I've just announced it to the world, but internally I sort of knew," he told former teammate Johnathan Thurston on Nine."I couldn't have asked for more. I've been around the world and I was very lucky and fortunate to come up here one last time, but I've gotta to listen to the body."Thurston asked him his favourite memory."Of course, as you get older you realise ... premierships are hard to come by, so the 2015 premiership with the Cowboys. There are some great memories up here and what a way to finish it up here as well."I made lifelong friends, and that is the benefit of what rugby league brings. Some people treat it as a job but others, a lifestyle. "I have been fortunate to be in the game long enough to ... have long-term relationships on the way."Nine's Danika Mason reported Tamou broke the news at half time by announcing it over the ground's PA.She said he told her he still held desires to play league next year in lower grades, possibly even Q Cup, but it won't be in the NRL.Tamou made 14 Origin appearances for the Blues and 12 for the Kangaroos. He was also a member of the Kangaroos 2013 World Cup-winning squad.

Cowboys shift sheds weight off NRL's Tamou

James Tamou came so close to calling it quits on his rugby league journey after a wooden-spoon season with Wests Tigers he considered what jobs he'd go for after a fruitful career.Enter his maiden NRL club North Queensland and the 305-game veteran is shaping up for his 15th pre-season back where it all began, this time as a veteran willing to impart experience on their young group.Tamou entertained offers from the Super League earlier this year and considered a switch to the UK.But the thought of uprooting his family and potentially moving back after a year squashed that idea.When his manager called up and said the Cowboys were interested the decision was a fait accompli."I said yes straight away," he told reporters on Tuesday.

'Massive decision' looming for embattled Tigers

Wests Tigers made a tough call regarding a change of coach earlier this month - now they face another massive decision.Skipper James Tamou, who turns 34 later this year, wants to play on with the club in 2023 and officials have to decide whether to give him a new deal or cut him loose.Tamou is one of the five captains appointed by sacked coach Michael Maguire at the start of the season but it is he who is the public face of the playing group.He is extremely popular with the team, especially the young Islander players, and is a fine role model and that will all play a part in the Tigers' decision.But Tamou has 14 years of hard slog in the front row under his hood - and that has taken a toll on his body.His best football is behind the former Test and NSW Origin prop and the Tigers have to make the hard call of whether they are better off going with a younger player or sticking with the veteran hardman.This week the club gave under-performing utility Tyrone Peachey - who only joined the club this year - permission to test the market.

Tigers captain reveals his 'perfect' new coach

Wests Tigers co-captain James Tamou has called for Cameron Ciraldo to join Concord as the team's new head coach.Tamou worked with Ciraldo at Penrith, where the latter is still Ivan Cleary's assistant and was a key factor in the Panthers' premiership win last year.He is considered the best head coach in waiting, but so far hasn't taken up a gig despite several becoming available.The Tigers are the latest club seeking a head coach, after sacking Michael Maguire earlier this week.The Bulldogs and Warriors have also parted ways with their coaches and are yet to find replacements.Ciraldo will be hot property, but Tamou is desperately hoping the pair can reunite."That would be unreal for Ciro," Tamou said."I love the Tigers and I love Ciro, and for that to come together, it would be the perfect storm."He will definitely get a head coaching role. He's built that (at Penrith), coming through the junior system."I'd love for him to come to the Tigers, and I guess (Tigers football boss Tim Sheens) and the team are doing everything they can."While the Maguire sacking didn't come as a shock to the general public, it was sudden and took the playing group largely by surprise.

Wests Tigers co-captain set to miss NRL opener

In a massive blow for the Wests Tigers, co-captain James Tamou is set to miss the first round of the season after a dangerous tackle on young half Sam Walker during last night's 16-8 trial victory over Sydney Roosters.Tamou faces a one-game ban if he takes the early plea to a grade two dangerous contact charge for taking out Walker's legs in the air after a fifth tackle kick, just minutes into their pre-season clash.If Tamou fights the charge and loses, he will face a two-game ban."That's dangerous, that is really dangerous... this is bad, James Tamou spearing in at the legs," Michael Ennis said on Fox Sports.