The Cowboys have thrown former premiership winning forward James Tamou a career lifeline after he was let go by the Tigers, signing him to a one-year deal.
“The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with 2015 premiership winner and Cowboy No.205 James Tamou who will return to the club for the 2023 season,” the club said in a statement.
Tamou appeared in 170 games for the Cowboys over the course of seven stellar seasons between 2009-16.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
During his tenure as a Cowboy, Tamou compiled one of the great resumes of any forward in club history, including a premiership in 2015 and 13 finals appearances in total, the 2014 Auckland Nines title, 12 games for Australia and 14 for NSW.
Tamou departed North Queensland for Penrith following the 2016 season and appeared in 97 games for the Panthers between 2017-20. He spent the previous two seasons with the Wests Tigers and was captain of both clubs, including the Panthers 2020 grand final team.
“We are excited to be able to add a player of James’ experience to our roster at this late stage, just prior to the commencement of our pre-season,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“He will bring professionalism and a strong work ethic, while also adding significant depth to our forward pack.
“James will be a wonderful influence for our excellent group of young forwards.”
MORE NRL NEWS
HALVES PAIRINGS RANKED: Eels duo’s wild rise; Broncos couple’s huge potential
BROOKS & PONGA: Newcastle set for huge double play as unwanted half exits
NOT SO FAST: Manly blow Knights’ bid for Garrick away as positional switch revealed
BEST 17: Mal has one game to settle on his team. Here’s who is vying for each position
FULL NRL TRANSFER CENTRE
BRONCOS
2023 squad:Jesse Arthars (2023), Kurt Capewell (2024), Patrick Carrigan (2024), Selwyn Cobbo (2025), Herbie Farnworth (2023), Thomas Flegler (2023), Payne Haas (2024), Kobe Hetherington (2023), Deloise Hoeter (2024), Corey Jensen (2023), Ezra Mam (2024), Deine Mariner (2024), Blake Mozer (2025), Tesi Niu (2023), Corey Oates (2023), Cory Paix (2023), Keenan Palasia (2022), Jordan Pereira (2023), Brendan Piakura (2024), Ethan Quai-Ward (2023), Adam Reynolds (2024), Jordan Riki (2024), TC Robati (2024), Kotoni Staggs (2025), Reece Walsh (2025), Billy Walters (2024), Xavier Willison (2025)
Development players:Logan Bayliss (2023)
2023 gains:Reece Walsh (Warriors), Jesse Arthars (returning from loan deal at Warriors)
2023 losses:Zac Hosking (Panthers), Brenko Lee (Dolphins), David Mead (retired), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Ryan James (retired), Tyson Gamble (Knights), Jake Turpin (Roosters)
Coach: Kevin Walters (2023)
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
PNG v Cook Islands: Match highlights | 03:00
RAIDERS
2023 squad: Nick Cotric (2024), Jarrod Croker (2023, PO 2024), Jamal Fogarty (2024), Matt Frawley (2023), Emre Guler (2023), Corey Harawira-Naera (2025, PO 2026), Albert Hopoate (2023), Peter Hola (2023, MO 2024), Corey Horsburgh (2024, MO 2025), Sebastian Kris (2024), Ata Mariota (2024), Trey Mooney (2024), Josh Papalii (2024, MO 2025), Jordan Rapana (2023), Pasami Saulo (2024), Xavier Savage (2023), Brad Schneider (2023), James Schiller (2024), Harley Smith-Shields (2023), Tom Starling (2023, PO 2024), Joe Tapine (2027), Matthew Timoko (2024), Semi Valemei (2024), Elliott Whitehead (2024), Jack Wighton (2023, PO 2024), Zac Woolford (2024), Hudson Young (2024)
Development players:Brandon Morkos (2024), Clay Webb (2023)
2023 gains: Pasami Saulo (Knights)
2023 losses:Josh Hodgson (Eels), Adam Elliott (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs)
Coach: Ricky Stuart (2025)
BULLDOGS
2023 squad:Josh Addo-Carr (2025), Paul Alamoti (2023), Corey Allan (2023), Jake Averillo (2023), Bailey Biondi-Odo (2023), Braidon Burns (2023), Matt Burton (2023, PO 2024), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (2025), Kyle Flanagan (2023), Josh Jackson (2023), Viliame Kikau (2026), Max King (2024), Jacob Kiraz (2024), Reed Mahoney (2026), Jayden Okunbor (2023), Tevita Pangai Jr (2024), Chris Patolo (2023), Aaron Schoupp (2024), Ava Seumanufagai (2023), Ryan Sutton (2025), Luke Thompson (2023), Corey Waddell (2023)
Development players:Cooper Talau (2023 CO)
2023 gains:Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Ryan Sutton (Raiders)
2023 losses: Jack Hetherington (Knights), Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Matt Dufty (released), Joe Stimson (Titans)
Coach: Cameron Ciraldo (2027)
SHARKS
2023 squad: Blayke Brailey (2026), Jesse Colquhoun (2024), Kade Dykes (2024), Dale Finucane (2025), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2024), Tom Hazelton (2024 PO 2025), Mawene Hiroti (2023), Royce Hunt (2023), Nicho Hynes (2024), Matt Ikuvalu (2023), Sione Katoa (2023), Oregon Kaufusi (2024 MO 2025) William Kennedy (2023), Cameron McInnes (2025), Lachlan Miller (2023), Matt Moylan (2024), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025), Briton Nikora (2025), Jesse Ramien (2023), Toby Rudolf (2024), Siosifa Talakai (2023), Siteni Taukamo (2024), Jensen Taumoepeau (CO 2023), Connor Tracey (2024), Braydon Trindall (2023), Jack Williams (2024), Teig Wilton (2023)
Development players:Kayal Iro (2024)
2023 gains:Oregon Kaufusi (Eels)
2023 losses: Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Andrew Fifita (released), Aiden Tolman (retired)
Coach:Craig Fitzgibbon (2024)
DOLPHINS
2023 squad: Euan Aitken (2024), Jesse Bromwich (2024), Kenny Bromwich (2025), JJ Collins (2023), Herman Ese’ese (2023), Poasa Faamausili (2023), Tom Gilbert (2023), Jamayne Isaako (2025), Robert Jennings (2024 MO 2025), Isaiya Katoa (2025), Felise Kaufusi (2025), Edrick Lee (2024), Conelly Lemuelu (2024), Jeremy Marshall-King (2024), Anthony Milford (2024), Mark Nicholls (2024), Kodi Nikorima (2024), Sean O’Sullivan (2025), Ray Stone (2024), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2024), Mason Teague (2023), Valynce Te Whare (2024), Jarrod Wallace (2024)
Development players: Harrison Graham (2023), Jack Bostock (2023), Ryan Jackson (2023), Michael Roberts (2023), Jeremiah Simbiken (2023)
Coach: Wayne Bennett (2025)
Cotter cleared for clash with Azzurri | 02:03
TITANS
2022 squad:Jacob Alick (2023 CO 2024), Tanah Boyd (2024), AJ Brimson (2026), Jayden Campbell (2024), Erin Clark (2025), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2024 MO 2025, 2026), Beau Fermor (2026), David Fifita (2023), Sosefo Fifita (2025), Kieran Foran (2024), Moeaki Fotuaika (2024), Klese Haas (2024), Patrick Herbet (2023), Jaimin Joliffe (2024), Brian Kelly (2023), Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira (2023), Sam Lisone (2023, CO 2024), Isaac Liu (2024), Greg Marzhew (2023), Sam McIntyre (2022), Kevin Proctor (2022), Phillip Sami (2024), Toby Sexton (2024), Joe Stimson (2024), Paul Turner (2023), Sam Verrills (2024), Joseph Vuna (2023)
Development players: Tony Francis (2023), Tom Weaver (2024)
2023 gains:Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Sam Verrills (Roosters), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs)
2023 losses:Jarrod Wallace (Dolphins), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Corey Thompson (retirement), Herman Ese’ese (Dolphins), Sam Lisone (Leeds)
Coach: Justin Holbrook (2024)
SEA EAGLES
2023 squad:Josh Aloiai (2025), Ethan Bullemor (2023), Daly Cherry-Evans (2025), Lachlan Croker (2023), Viliame Fifita (2024), Reuben Garrick (2023), Morgan Harper (2023), Sean Keppie (2024), Tolutau Koula (2024), Karl Lawton (2024), Haumole Olakau’ata (2025), Brad Parker (2023), Taniela Paseka (2024), Jason Saab (2026), Josh Schuster (2024), Toafofoa Sipley (2023), Ben Trbojevic (2023), Jake Trbojevic (2026), Tom Trbojevic (2026), Kelma Tuilagi (2025), Christian Tuipulotu (2024), Alec Tu’itavake (2023), Kaeo Weekes (2023), Ben Condon (2025)
Development players: Gordon Chan Kum Tong (2023), Jamie Humphreys (2023), Jacob Sykes (2023)
2023 gains: Kelma Tuilagi (Tigers), Ben Condon (Cowboys)
2023 losses: Kieran Foran (Titans), Dylan Walker (Warriors), Martin Taupau (unsigned), Andrew Davey (unsigned)
Coach: TBC
STORM
2023 squad:Grant Anderson (2023), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (2023), Joe Chan (2024 MO 2025), Xavier Coates (2026), Thomas Eisenhuth (2023), Harry Grant (2025 PO 2026), Jordan Grant (2023), Jack Howarth (2027), Jahrome Hughes (2026), Dean Ieremia (2023), George Jennings (2023), Tui Kamikamica (2023), Eliesa Katoa (2024) Josh King (2023), Trent Loeiro (2025), Alec MacDonald (2025), Nick Meaney (2023), Tepai Moeroa (2025), Cameron Munster (2027), Jayden Nikorima (2023), Justin Olam (2026), Ryan Papenhuyzen (2025), Jonah Pezet (2023), Marion Seve (2024), Reimis Smith (2024), Will Warbrick (2023), Christian Welch (2025 MO 2026), Tyran Wishart (2023)
Development players:Cole Geyer (2023)
2023 gains: Eliesa Katoa (Warriors), Tariq Sims (Dragons), Joe Chan (Catalans), Aaron Pene (Warriors)
2023 losses:Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Jesse Bromwich (Dolphins), Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins), David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers – returning from loan)
Coach: Crag Bellamy (2023)
KNIGHTS
2023 squad:Bradman Best (2024), Jayden Brailey (2025), Adam Clune (2023), Matt Croker (2024), Adam Elliott (2025), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (2023), Tyson Frizell (2023), Dane Gagai (2024), Tyson Gamble (2024), Jack Hetherington (2025), Bailey Hodgson (2023), Hymel Hunt (2023), Jack Johns (2023), Brodie Jones (2023), David Klemmer (2023), Kurt Mann (2023), Krystian Mapapalangi (2024), Kalyn Ponga (2027), Chris Randall (2023), Daniel Saifiti (2026), Jacob Saifiti (2024), Simi Sasagi (2024), Leo Thompson (2025), Enari Tuala (2023), Dominic Young (2023)
Development players:Chris Vea’ila (2023)
2023 gains: Adam Elliott (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Tyson Gamble (Broncos)
2023 losses:Mitchell Barnett (Warriors), Edrick Lee (Dolphins), Jirah Momoisea (Eels), Tex Hoy (Hull FC), Jake Clifford (Hull FC), Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Sauaso Sue (Hull KR), Pasami Saulo (Raiders)
Coach: Adam O’Brien (2024)
‘Bounced it for sure!’: Knock on or try? | 00:57
COWBOYS
2023 squad:Thomas Chester (2024), Reuben Cotter (2025), Tom Dearden (2024), Scott Drinkwater (2027), Mitchell Dunn (2022), Brendan Elliott (2023), Kyle Feldt (2024), Brendan Frei (CO 2023), Jack Gosiewski (2023), Jake Granville (2023), Ben Hampton (2023), Coen Hess (2024), Peta Hiku (2023), Valentine Holmes (2025), Luciano Leilua (2025), Heilum Luki (2024 PO 2025), Jordan McLean (2023), Laitia Moceidreke (2023), Jeremiah Nanai (2023), Griffin Neame (2025), Reece Robson (2023), James Tamou (2023), Murray Taulagi (2026), Jason Taumalolo (2027), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (2023), Chad Townsend (2024)
Development players:Jordan Lipp (2023), Riley Price (2023)
2023 gains: James Tamou (Tigers),Jack Gosiewski (Dragons)
2023 losses: Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Ben Condon (early release – Sea Eagles)
Coach:Todd Payten (2023)
EELS
2023 squad:Jakob Arthur (2024), Waqa Blake (2023), Dylan Brown (2023), Nathan Brown (2023), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (2025), Bryce Cartwright (2023), Haze Dunster (2024 MO 2025), Clint Gutherson (2025), Wiremu Greig (2023), Josh Hodgson (2023 CO 2024), J’maine Hopgood (2024), Shaun Lane (2026), Makahesi Makatoa (2024), Ryan Matterson (2026), Jirah Momoisea (2024), Mitchell Moses (2023, PO 2024), Jack Murchie (2024), Ofahiki Ogden (2023 CO 2024), Junior Paulo (2026), Will Penisini (2023), Mitch Rein (2023), Ky Rodwell (2024), Sean Russell (2024), Bailey Simonsson (2023 PO 2024), Maika Sivo (2023)
Development players: Josh Tuipulotu (2023)
2023 gains: Josh Hodgson (Raiders), J’maine Hopgood (Panthers), Jirah Momoisea (Knights), Jack Murchie (Warriors)
2023 losses:Marata Niukore (Warriors), Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Tom Opacic (Hull KR), Hayze Perham (released), David Hollis (released)
Coach: Brad Arthur (2024)
PANTHERS
2023 squad:Eddie Blacker (2023), Nathan Cleary (2027), Jack Cogger (2023), (Stephen Crichton (2023), Dylan Edwards (2024), James Fisher-Harris (2026), Luke Garner (2024), Liam Henry (2024), Zac Hosking (2024), Thomas Jenkins (2023), Mitch Kenny (2024), Spencer Leniu (2023), Moses Leota (2024), Jarome Luai (2024), Soni Luke (2023), Liam Martin (2023), Taylan May (2024), Tyrone Peachey (2023), Lindsay Smith (2022), Chris Smith (2023), Scott Sorensen (2023), Izack Tago (2025), Brian To’o (2023), Sunia Turuva (2024), Isaah Yeo (2024)
Development players:Maverick Geyer (2023), Preston Riki (2023), Ativalu Lisati (2023)
2023 gains:Jack Cogger (Huddersfield), Luke Garner (Tigers), Zac Hosking (Broncos), Tyrone Peachey (Tigers)
2023 losses:Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Robert Jennings (Dolphins), J’maine Hopgood (Eels), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Charlie Staines (Tigers)
Coach:Ivan Cleary (2027)
DRAGONS
2023 squad:Talatau Amone (2024), Jack Bird (2024 MO 2025), Billy Burns (2023), Jack de Belin (2023, PO 2024), Matthew Feagai (2024), Max Feagai (2024), Tyrell Fuimaono (2023), Ben Hunt (2025), Jaiyden Hunt (2024), Josh Kerr (2023), Blake Lawrie (2023), Zac Lomax (2026), Nick Lui-Toso (2023), Moses Mbye (2023), Andrew McCullough (2023), Tautau Moga (2023), Francis Molo (2024), Michael Molo (2023 MO 2024), Zane Musgrove (2024), Cody Ramsey (2024), Mikaele Ravalawa (2023 PO 2024), Tyrell Sloan (2024), Jaydn Su’A (2024), Moses Suli (2024), Jayden Sullivan (2025), Aaron Woods (PO 2023)
Development players:N/A
2023 gains:Zane Musgrove (Tigers), Nick Lui-Toso (Northern Pride – QRL)
2023 losses: Jackson Ford (Warriors), Jack Gosiewski (Cowboys), Josh McGuire (Warrington), George Burgess (released)
Coach:Anthony Griffin (2023)
Sharks legend Fifita retires | 00:33
RABBITOHS
2023 squad: Jai Arrow (2024), Zane Bijorac (CO 2023), Tom Burgess (2023), Jed Cartwright (2023), Michael Chee-Kam (2023), Damien Cook (2023), Campbell Graham (2024), Siliva Havili (2023), Dean Hawkins (2023), Jacob Host (2023), Lachlan Ilias (2025), Alex Johnston (2025), Terrell Kalo Kalo (2023), Richie Kennar (CO 2023), Liam Knight (2023), Keaon Koloamatangi (2024), Peter Mamouzelos (2024), Taane Milne (2024), Latrell Mitchell (2023), Davvy Moale (2025), Cameron Murray (2025), Hame Sele (2023), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (2025), Blake Taaffe (2023), Isaiah Tass (2024), Tevita Tatola (2024), Izaac Thompson (2024), Cody Walker (2023)
Development players:Jye Gray (2023), Josiah Karapani (2024), Liam Le Blanc (2024), Ben Lovett (2024), Haizyn Mellars (2024), Tyrone Munro (2023), Leon Te Hau (2024)
2023 gains:N/A
2023 losses: Mark Nicholls (Dolphins), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters)
Coach: Jason Demetriou (2023)
ROOSTERS
2023 squad:Renouf Atoni (2023), Fletcher Baker (2023), Egan Butcher (2023), Nat Butcher (2024), Lindsay Collins (2026), Angus Crichton (2026), Drew Hutchison (2023), Luke Keary (2024), Joseph Manu (2024), Terrell May (2023), Paul Momirovski (2024), Jaxson Paulo (2024), Victor Radley (2023), Billy Smith (2023), Brandon Smith (2024 PO 2025), Sandon Smith (2024), Joseph Suaalii (2023, PO 2024), James Tedesco (2024), Daniel Tupou (2023), Sitili Tupouniua (2024), Jake Turpin (2023), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (2023), Sam Walker (2023), Connor Watson (2023), Naufahu Whyte (2024), Jaxson Paulo (2024), Jake Turpin (2023)
Development players: N/A
2023 gains: Brandon Smith (Storm), Jaxson Paulo (2024), Jake Turpin (2023)
2023 losses: Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans Dragons), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs), Oliver Gildart (Wests Tigers – returning from loan), Sam Verrills (Titans)
Coach:Trent Robinson (2028)
WARRIORS
2023 squad:Bunty Afoa (2023), Euan Aitken (2023), Tom Ale (2023), Mitchell Barnett (2025), Rocco Berry (2024), Josh Curran (2024), Wayde Egan (2024), Addin Fonua-Blake (2026), Jackson Ford (2024), Tohu Harris (2024), Shaun Johnson (2023), Otukinekina Kepu (2024), Valingi Kepu (2024), Edward Kosi (2023), Freddy Lussick (2024), Te Maire Martin (2025), Luke Metcalf (2025), Marcelo Montoya (2023), Ben Murdoch-Masila (2023), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2025), Marata Niukore (2026), Taniela Otukolo (2024), Adam Pompey (2023), Bayley Sironen (2023), Jazz Tevaga (PO 2023), Viliami Vailea (2025), Ronald Volkman (2025), Dylan Walker (2025), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2024)
Development players:Jacob Laban (2023), Demitric Sifakula (2023)
2023 gains:Marata Niukore (Eels), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Jackson Ford (Dragons)
2023 losses: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Reece Walsh (Broncos), Eliesa Katoa (released), Aaron Pene (released), Jack Murchie (Eels)
Coach: Andrew Webster (2025)
Tonga denied try of the year by INCHES! | 01:53
TIGERS
2023 squad: Shawn Blore (2024), Luke Brooks (2023), Adam Doueihi (2023), Sione Fainu (2024), Oliver Gildart (2023), Jackson Hastings (2023), Asu Kepaoa (2024), Apisai Koroisau (2024 PO 2025), Daine Laurie (2023), Ken Maumalo (2023, PO 2024), Rua Ngatikaura (2024), Brent Naden (2025), David Nofoaluma (2025), Joe Ofahengaue (2025), Isaiah Papali’i (2025), Fonua Pole (2024), Triston Reilly (2024), Alex Seyfarth (2023), Jake Simpkin (2024), Tuki Simpkins (2023), Charlie Staines (2023), Tommy Talau (2023), Starford To’a (2024), Brandon Tumeth (2024), Junior Tupou (2024), Alex Twal (2024), Stefano Utoikamanu (2024 MO 2025)
Development players:Apisalome Saukuru (2023), Justin Matamua (2023)
2023 gains:Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Triston Reilly (rugby union, Waratahs), David Nofoaluma (Storm – return from loan), Oliver Gildart (Roosters – return from loan), Charlie Staines (Panthers)
2023 losses: Luke Garner (Panthers), James Tamou (Cowboys), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers)
Coach: Tim Sheens (2024)
