Incoming Cowboy James Tamou has revealed how the Tigers’ disastrous 2022 campaign made him consider giving up the game.
While the 33-year-old admitted he did have a soft spot for the merger club, the veteran prop was a part of the Tigers’ first ever wooden spoon, managing only four wins.
Luckily for Tamou the club he won a premiership with in 2015, the Cowboys, handed him a career lifeline as he looks to add to his impressive 305 NRL appearances.
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“There were a lot of times (he considered retiring),” Tamou told The Daily Telegraph.
“The way we ended last year was tough. You have to look in the mirror and think ‘maybe that’s it?’
“There was about a month (during the season) where I thought I’ve got to find something else to do and get a job.
“I’ve got a soft spot for the Tigers. It was a good group of boys and I got to know the fans who are passionate.
“I was trying to stay positive, but with how some of the score lines were playing out – there’s only so much you can take.
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“That was playing into me hanging up the boots until the phone rang (with an offer).”
While the 33-year-old received offers from Super League sides, he admitted that he wasn’t prepared to move his family to the other side of the world.
“There was offers and interest over there (Super League), but I’ve got four kids at home and it would have been tough to pack them up,” Tamou continued.
“It would have taken a few months to get settled over there, get through the second season then possibly come back.”
Despite the offers the former Blues prop revealed once he found out the Cowboys were interested, making the move back to Townsville to play under Todd Payten was no-brainer.
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“My manager called up and said the Cowboys are interested – so I took it,” Tamou said.
“It wasn’t even about the logistics and numbers, I just said yes straight away because I knew I wanted to enjoy it and not have the weight of the team on my shoulders.
“I’m going to have to try hard to get into this team.”
The last time Tamou wore a Cowboys jersey was in 2016, where he played under the late Paul Green.
Since then the 33-year-old realises his job with the club will be completely different.
“My role has significantly decreased and I’m happy with that. I’m coming here to buy into what they’ve done,” Tamou added.
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“My role is to take that leadership role. Anything these guys need help with, they can pick my brain.
“I don’t want to make it too much about me. I admire what the boys have done and their style of play. They never gave up.
“The young ones are still learning and I’m still hungry to learn. I’m not expecting to walk straight into the team.
“There are genuine superstars – look at the number of boys in the Kangaroos and Origin.
“I’ll have to bide my time but I’ll put my best foot forward and bring my best every day.”
