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.
matt h
Guest
I haven;t seen much of the Cowboys this year, but has QLD got the same problem with Matt Scott? I can;t understand how a team with the Australian front row and playmaker aren't higher up the ladder
BULLDOGS 4EVER
Guest
Before you was saying good things about Daley now you can't understand Daley selection criteria Wake up to yourself before you embarrass yourself more. What job did Grant do last year so he sat Petero on his arse So what get over it Qld won like they will win again
Tru Blu
Guest
Just trying to understand Daley' selection criteria. Tamou did the job in Origin last year but is down on form and gets selected. Grant did the job last year, comes into some form but doesn't get selected. What makes it worse is Grant will probably have to watch endless replays of him knocking Petero on his arse to promote Origin.
brett the manly fan
Guest
i dont like having gallen it prop. it does nothing but tak the postion of a big player away (Tim Grant, Willie Mason) He as stressed that he want to play at lock and why not it is his natural postion. But just w8 until game 2 h will be back at lock (LOOK AT LAST YEAR)
Tru Blu
Guest
You might want to check Ben Te'o, born in Akl and lived here until he was 16.
Dingo
Guest
Tamou chose the Blues Jumper over NZ,Origin holds higher prestige than playing for NZ :)
Johnno
Guest
Aussy Jim, should of taken the kiwi jumper, now the new rep pay deals are going up. All test matches Australia,NZ,England, player payments have gone up for test matches involving these countries. Aussy Jim lol , won't be able to play for the kiwis at the rugby league world cup now, oh well aussy Jim from Palmerston North NZ, you had your chance for a black jersey but chose green and gold. I think in heart he will always have a touch of regret, and now the money has gone up for test matches, in rubs salt into the wounds more.
Hosey G
Guest
At least they are from the right country.
Mals
Guest
Exactly! Similar to those banjo playing banana benders Ben Te'o, Greg Inglis & Josh Papalii
Boomer
Guest
Daley picked the squad he wanted months ago. Form, logic, common sense or reasoning was not going to change his mind. The fact that Kurt Gidley was on his bench is proof of that. 8 series in a row on a platter for QLD. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Gareth
Roar Pro
How can you possibly leave out such a proud and passionate New South Welshman? "Aussie" Jum Tamou bleeds sky blue and thinks playing State of Origin is fulth.
astro
Guest
Well, it seems Daley selected his team at some stage last year, so Tamou's selection is not surprising...
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
Tamou has been greatly disappointing for the Cows and was relegated to the bench for their last game against the Tigers. Signs that perhaps he has stopped trying as hard knowing he is a walk up for the Blues and Kangaroos. I remember an article about him at the beginning of the year comparing him to Brad Thorn. At this moment, he wouldn't even be comparable to Thorn's shadow. Hopefully Origin does fire him up and he can return to best form for the Cowboys, or else we'll soon be fighting against the Warriors and Eels for the spoon, which is disgraceful considering all we had going for us this year.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Most defintely, I don't like Gallen at prop particularly carrying an injury. Tamou needs to lead from the front. I would have brought in Tim Grant for Gidley.
The eye
Guest
I just hope the Blues haven't got as many injured players in the squad as perceived.Gall.hasnt played for a month,Lewis for 3 weeks and its common knowledge J.Reynolds has been playing with a bung shoulder,Maloney took a heavy knock last week,B.Moz rushed back after a fortnight out,Watmoughs playing with painkillers which leads to wonder whether recent 'quiet' guys such as Tamou,J.Moz. and R.Hoffman are hiding something.
Freddy of Bondi
Guest
I agree totally... Tamou has not had a great year, and purely on form, wouldnt be in the best 6-7 props in NSW at the moment. He has stopped trying to bend the defensive line but rather does a little shimmy, piroette thingy when he gets to the defense. I know props need to have footwork and ball-playing skills these days, but there is still a lot to be said for big boppers running straight and hard!