NSW prop James Tamou believes he is playing for his State of Origin future in game three.
Tamou endured his worst Origin performance in the series-losing game two defeat and feared he would be dumped from the Blues side for good.
The North Queensland star said on Wednesday he was determined to make amends in next Wednesday’s Origin III at ANZ Stadium and keep his interstate career alive.
“I know I need a big one to cement anything further ahead of this game,” Tamou said at the Blues Coffs Harbour base on Wednesday.
“Coming off the field I looked at my numbers, I knew I didn’t get many hitups but it was just a bit depressing seeing the numbers that I saw.
“I wanted to make a difference in other areas of the field whether it be first in the tackle or kick-chase. I know what I have to do coming into this game, I want to make a difference. I have to get more involved.
“I have to get in there and get my hands on the ball.”
Tamou managed just four hitups for 40m and 20 tackles in the Blues’ series-ending game two defeat in Brisbane.
“I am not going into game three thinking I have to do 20 hitups I just have to do my job,” he said.
“I have to make my presence a bit more, Laurie said I want you to play like you do at the Cowboys and I get my hands on the ball a bit more at the Cowboys.
“I was upset game two could have been my last game, so I want to have to have a big one in game three.”
Mike the Oz
Guest
Goodbye then Tamou. Another 'looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane' type.
New Era
Guest
2017 Team: 1. Tedesco 2. Mansour 3. Croker 4. Leliua 5. T Trbojevic 6. Moylan 7. Maloney 8. James 9. Peats 10. Woods 11. Frizell 12. Cordner 13. Jackson (c) 14. Graham 15. Klemmer 16. Merrin 17. J Bird 18. Wighton 19. J Trbojevic
Goldy
Guest
Not convinced on James. Got owned by JWH and didn't wanna know about it. Better forwards ahead of him like Junior Paulo (subject to eligibility) Reagan Campbell- Gillard, Paul Vaughn, Shannon Boyd, I'd even throw Darcy Lussick in before him.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Well he should be feeling this way, same for Woods, Fifita, and Klemmer. Ryan James is coming into the prime of his career right now and playing excellent football, if he continues as he has this year for another 12 months he should definitely get himself a Blues jersey.
Cedric
Guest
Tamou should have a late lunch with Blocker, and listen!!! Or maybe have a late lunch with Mark Graham and ...... duck!
andrew
Guest
Every Origin game you are (should) be playing for your Origin future. The alternative implies you are getting a free pass regardless of performance. All well and good that he wants to make up for game II by having a big game III - but it is a dead rubber, so it is of zero value.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Somebody needs to put Tamou in front of a mirror and say to him: 'James, see that big guy looking back at you? Well, that's you. And people don't like tackling people as big as you, especially when they're running very hard and very fast and very often.' Hopefully that should do it.