Premiership-winning front-rower James Tamou will leave North Queensland for family reasons, his manager has confirmed.
Tamou reportedly informed his Cowboys teammates of his decision to leave the NRL premiers on Thursday morning.
The 27-year-old’s manager Sam Ayoub was unable to confirm that discussion had taken place but said the decision to leave the Cowboys had been made.
“He’s made the decision to relocate his family to Sydney to have some extended family support around,” Ayoub told AAP.
Tamou and his wife Brittney are expecting their third child and it’s understood the NSW and Australia representative has been agonising over the decision for weeks.
Up to three clubs are believed to have tabled bids for Tamou, with Penrith the front-runners on the back of a lucrative four-year deal.
Ayoub says nothing has been finalised at this point.
“I’m working through with the interested parties here and I’ll work through things over the next week or so,” he said.
Tamou’s departure is the first setback for the Cowboys as they try to retain the squad which delivered the club’s maiden premiership in 2015.
Backs Lachlan Coote, Antonio Winterstein and Kane Linnett have all signed new deals in recent weeks.
But grand final winners Ben Hannant, Justin O’Neill, Rory Kostjasyn and Ethan Lowe are all off contract.
Tamou has made 157 NRL appearances for the Cowboys after debuting in 2009.
The New Zealand-born prop has also made 12 State of Origin appearances for the Blues and featured in 12 Tests for the Kangaroos.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
More dosh. Happy days
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Cows just couldn't keep them together for the new cap. If the cows had to lose someone though I'd reckon Tamou was the one. Even when you take either Tamou or Scott out their go forward is just too hard to stop in that 50-70 minute period during second halves. Lot of clubs doing it tight right now but you get the feeling that if teams like Brisbane Nulla and Nth QLD can keep their cores intact they'll be primed to go on a spending spree when the new deal kicks in with the predicted 10 mil plus cap. Promises are already being made to players like Gillett who have a lot coming their way.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
The impression I got was that his wife wants to be nearer her family network, and like every bloke knows, if the missus and kids are sorted, life is simple. Traffic included.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
supply and demand
andrew
Guest
5 bedroom house costs a lot more in West Syd than it does in T/ville! Leaving for family reasons - i.e he wants to make more money for his family. its a reasonable reason to leave, just say it.
MAX
Guest
Hi uitn, re James Tamou Current contract $650K Penrith (4yr/$3M) $750K Is coping with Sydney traffic worth $100K before Tax? His wife must be really homesick.
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
You heard wrong. His missus gets the board position. Big Jim moves into a role developing the Eels real estate portfolio.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I wish him well and thank him for his time up here. I'd imagine he would be expecting up around the 600 - 800k pa type of money and that unfortunately is more than the club could afford. There's a great one standing by in Hess, but he's still too green to be the starting prop. Looks as though they'll be in the market for an unhappy southerner to back out of their current contract and move north.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Looking at the list of proven quality props and locks coming off contract in the next couple of years who are on the right side of 30 and serious contenders to switch clubs, the list is basically Tamou, so the fact he's fielding some big offers should come as no surprise given some clubs are a quality forward or two short of making a serious push for a premiership.
John
Guest
I heard the Eels were signing him to a blockbuster deal that involves some endorsement deals as well as a guaranteed Board position once he retires.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Not sure how he goes at club level but when wearing a representative jersey, Tamou seems a bit too hit and miss for me.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
Penrith are paying too much for Tamou. I'm happy to see him go and the Cowboys use that money towards securing the younger players like Hess and Ponga.
Griffo
Guest
His quick play the ball in the Grand Final gave Thurston the time to kick the winning field goal and of course he scored a try in the first half too, but he's provided so much more in his time. I hope he can keep his mind on the job for this year and good luck to him wherever he goes next, except of course when he comes up against North Queensland.
Kingcowboy
Guest
He is a fullback but I see him playing the next two years in the centres. He is a tall boy and he will fill out. We also need to keep in mind that we have had a dream run with injuries. Anything happens to Coote, JT or MM we can shift the boys around and play Ponga at fullback. I still haven't forgave the donkeys for stealing Judas (Prince) back in the early 00's. So it would be like taking a hit from the Souths Brown if we lose Ponga to them as well.
Jimmmy
Guest
No , I heard he has not signed yet. Where do you see him slotting in? Coote is here for at least two years. JT as well. Then hopefully Morgs is with us long term , . It will be hard to keep him as a winger or back up utility but hopefully we can get a deal through.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Hey Jimmmy any word on how we are resigning Mr Ponga? I really want to keep hold of this kid. Going forward I think we need to retain MM, Big Jason Tamo, Hess and Ponga.
Jimmmy
Guest
I concur King C . Jimmy has been a wonderful player for us since coming north. He and Scott are the best pair of front rowers in the NRL, bar none. Good luck Jimmy and thanks for your part in our premiership.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Thanks for your service to the cause Jimmy, you did by head in during some games but you where one of squad who brought us our first title. Your contributions will be long remembered by the fans. Good luck next year but we still have unfinished business this year.