James Tamou facts for kids

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James Tamou

Personal information
Full name	James Tamou
Born	(1988-12-13) 13 December 1988 (age 36) Palmerston North, New Zealand
Playing information
Height	195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Weight	115 kg (18 st 2 lb)
Position	Prop
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2009–16 North Qld Cowboys 170 12 0 0 48 2017–20 Penrith Panthers 97 10 0 0 40 2021–22 Wests Tigers 38 4 0 0 16 2023 North Qld Cowboys 2 1 0 0 4 Total 307 27 0 0 108 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2008–10 New Zealand Māori 2 0 0 0 0 2012–16 Australia 12 2 0 0 8 2012–16 New South Wales 14 0 0 0 0 2013 NRL All Stars 1 0 0 0 0 2013 Prime Minister's XIII 1 0 0 0 0 2017 NSW City 1 1 0 0 4 2019 Māori All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
Relatives	Kenny Edwards (cousin)

James Tamou (born 13 December 1988) is a former professional rugby league footballer. He played as a prop, a powerful forward position. He currently plays for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.

Tamou had a long and successful career in the National Rugby League (NRL). He played for the North Queensland Cowboys and helped them win the 2015 NRL Grand Final. He also played for the Penrith Panthers, where he was the captain, and the Wests Tigers.

He was chosen to play for many special teams, including the Australian national team, the New South Wales Blues, and the New Zealand Māori.

Early Life and Background

Tamou playing for the Sydney Roosters junior team in 2008.

James Tamou was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. His family background includes Cook Island-Māori and Danish heritage.

He started playing junior rugby league in New Zealand for the Levin Knights. When he was 13, his family moved to Australia. He continued playing for the Paddington Tigers in Sydney and went to Matraville Sports High School.

Professional Rugby Career

Tamou's professional career began with the Sydney Roosters junior teams. In 2007, he was named their best player in the Jersey Flegg Cup competition. After a strong season in 2008, he signed with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Before his NRL career started, he represented the New Zealand Māori team in a special match in 2008.

North Queensland Cowboys (2009–2016)

Tamou playing for the New Zealand Māori team in 2008.

Tamou made his NRL debut in 2009 for the Cowboys against the Parramatta Eels. He even scored a try in his first game! By 2010, he was named the club's "Most Improved Player."

In 2011, Tamou and a teammate were briefly suspended for breaking team rules. Despite this, he had a great season and helped the Cowboys reach the finals.

The year 2012 was a big one for Tamou. He decided to play for Australia and New South Wales in the State of Origin. He made his debut for both teams and became known as one of the best props in the NRL.

In 2013, he helped Australia win the Rugby League World Cup. The final was played at the famous Old Trafford stadium in England, where Australia beat New Zealand.

In 2014, Tamou was part of the New South Wales team that won the State of Origin series. This was a huge victory, as they hadn't won in nine years.

The biggest moment of his time with the Cowboys came in 2015. Tamou helped his team win the 2015 NRL Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos. He scored a try in the exciting 17–16 victory.

His final season with the Cowboys was in 2016. He helped the team win the 2016 World Club Challenge against the English champions, the Leeds Rhinos.

Penrith Panthers (2017–2020)

In 2017, Tamou joined the Penrith Panthers. He quickly became an important player for his new club.

By 2020, he was the captain of the team. He led the Panthers on an amazing 17-game winning streak all the way to the 2020 NRL Grand Final. Although they lost the final to the Melbourne Storm, it was a fantastic season for the team. This was his last game for Penrith.

Wests Tigers and Return to Cowboys (2021–2023)

Tamou joined the Wests Tigers in 2021. He played for them for two seasons. In 2022, the team struggled and finished last on the ladder, which is known as receiving the "Wooden Spoon."

In 2023, he made a surprise return to the North Queensland Cowboys for one last season. Unfortunately, he suffered a foot injury that kept him out for most of the year. In August 2023, Tamou announced his retirement from the NRL.

After retiring from the top level, he signed with the Townsville Blackhawks to continue playing in the Queensland Cup.

Career Achievements

Individual Awards

• North Queensland Cowboys Most Improved Player: 2010
• North Queensland Cowboys Players' Player of the Year: 2012

Team Championships

• Rugby League World Cup: Winner with Australia (2013)
• 2015 NRL Grand Final: Winner with the North Queensland Cowboys (2015)
• 2016 World Club Challenge: Winner with the North Queensland Cowboys (2016)

Career Statistics

NRL Games

Statistics are correct to the end of the 2023 season

Season	Team	Matches	Tries	Points
2009	North Queensland Cowboys	12	2	8
2010		19	1	4
2011		23	2	8
2012		24	2	8
2013		22	0	0
2014		21	1	4
2015†		24	2	8
2016		25	2	8
2017	Penrith Panthers	26	3	12
2018		25	2	8
2019		24	4	16
2020		22	1	4
2021	Wests Tigers	19	2	8
2022		19	2	8
2023	North Queensland Cowboys	2	1	4
Career totals		307	27	108

Personal Life

Tamou and his wife, Brittney, have four sons. He is also the cousin of fellow rugby league player Kenny Edwards.