NSW front-rower James Tamou might like to pop out of the Blues’ camp and buy a lottery ticket when the chance arises. His luck looks to be running hot in a season when his football has bordered on lukewarm.
I don’t think Tamou’s form has been a patch on what we saw last year when he was plucked from the Cowboys pack and given his first Australian Test jumper.
He richly deserved that elevation in status at the time, but from what I have seen this year he has been pretty much playing on reputation.
In 2013, Tamou has been busy in a vastly disappointing Cowboys pack, but nothing like the man mountain who struck fear into opposing forwards on a weekly basis.
I say he only got this latest Origin gig as an incumbent and that coach Laurie Daley and his selectors are hoping he can find his 2012 aggression.
There were a number of NSW props who could have, and probably should have, been picked ahead of him if current form is used as a guide.
Tigers’ up-and-comer Aaron Woods has been enormous in a dreadful Tigers line-up, Knights’ veteran Willie Mason has turned back the clock with some rousing football, while Penrith’s Tim Grant has continued his development and staked a legitimate claim on another Blues jumper.
Bulldogs workhorse Aiden Tolman is yet another who springs to mind. Though lacking the giant frame of Tamou, Tolman eats up the metres and tackles like a man possessed. He plays as though he’s in the thick of an Origin battle every week.
I am a fan of Tamou’s best football but it has been sadly missing in season 2013.
Where are the rousing displays that saw an international tug-of-war for his services between New Zealand and Australia last year?
NSW badly needs one from him in Game 1 of the Origin series or the Blues will be looking for a replacement for Game 2.
It is critical that Tamou aims up on June 5. The Blues need him to produce his A-Game; nothing less.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen is carrying a nagging hamstring problem and is going to be given less match time than last year.
All going well, Tamou will be on the field when the troops are summoned from the bench and they will be looking for him to set the standard.
If this JT isn’t at his damaging best, NSW’s firepower will be considerably weakened. If he plays like his former self, I think the Blues can fashion the win they so desperately crave.
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