As Penrith circles James Tamou, North Queensland coach Paul Green has revealed he is resigned to losing a member of his NRL premiership team – he just doesn’t know who yet.
The Cowboys denied a News Corp report claiming Kangaroos prop Tamou had already informed the club he would relocate to the Panthers next season.
“I haven’t heard anything other than a bit of scuttlebutt,” Cowboys football manager Peter Parr told the Fox Sports website on Tuesday night.
However, Tamou appears the most likely Cowboy to leave after telling AAP his growing family will be the top priority when he makes a decision on where he plays next year.
His partner is expecting to give birth to their second child and her family are in Sydney.
That gives the inside running to Penrith, who last week offered a lucrative four-year deal.
Recently re-signed Lachlan Coote had urged his off contract teammates that also include Ethan Lowe and Justin O’Neill to take pay cuts so that they could all stay and build a Cowboys dynasty.
Coote sacrificed $1.8 million to ignore a cashed up Sydney Roosters offer and remain with North Queensland.
But Green said it was only a matter of time before someone would announce they were leaving.
“We would like to keep everyone and we are trying our best to do that,” Green said.
“But the reality is that we probably won’t be able to keep everyone.
“Whether that is Jimmy or someone else I am not sure.”
Green said despite the speculation swirling around his star players’ future he was happy that their title defence had remained on track.
Ladder leaders the Cowboys will look to notch another confidence boosting win against Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night as part of the NRL doubleheader.
“Our players have done a good job in not letting that (speculation) distract them,” Green said.
“They haven’t let any of that affect how we play as a team which is what I want to see.
“That shows they value the team.”
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Big Jimmy has had a blinder so far this year, on top of a terrific one last year, all up I Reckon he's given pretty good service since he's been at the Cowbies. Had a big scare with the neck surgery too and showed a big heart to come back. If he does have to move south I for one wish him all the best and thank him for his efforts.
jimmmy
Guest
That's got some merit Griffo . At least worth some thought. Coote does play like a half and has all the kicking skills. Maybe the pain in my chest will ease a little.
Griffo
Guest
What if Coote were to move into the halves. He playes like a 5/8 in attack anyway. Morgan played his junior footy as a halfback. I understand that he'd need some time if he was to make it work at NRL level but it's a possibility worth considering I think. Then young Ponga can fit in as the fullback.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Not a massive loss. Get a young prop in there to understudy Scott. Things did get a bit stale with Tamou and Scott there, need some youthful energy.
Christov
Guest
You could pick up Sandow for cheap I reakon ;)
jimmmy
Guest
It is good to see that the salary cap is working. I would love to keep the team together but of course that can't happen . We did well to keep Coote and Taumalolo. I am pretty happy with the way things have panned out. We really do need to think about life after JT though. God , Just writing that caused severe pain in my heart.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
As a Cowboys supporter, I'm happy to see Tamou go so that money can be used towards retaining players like Lowe and O'Neill and to invest in young guys like Ponga and Hess.
Casper
Guest
Seems like Gus can circumvent the salary cap better than the Eels board, in line for every big name coming on the market despite paying a fortune for Merrin plus retention of Moylan, Mansour, new international DWZ and a host of rising young forwards.