Incoming Cowboy James Tamou has revealed how the Tigers’ disastrous 2022 marketing campaign made him contemplate giving up the sport.
While the 33-year-old admitted he did have a tender spot for the merger membership, the veteran prop was part of the Tigers’ first ever picket spoon, managing solely 4 wins.
Luckily for Tamou the membership he received a premiership with in 2015, the Cowboys, handed him a profession lifeline as he appears so as to add to his spectacular 305 NRL appearances.
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“There were a lot of times (he considered retiring),” Tamou informed The Daily Telegraph.
“The way we ended last year was tough. You have to look in the mirror and think ‘maybe that’s it?’
“There was about a month (during the season) where I thought I’ve got to find something else to do and get a job.
“I’ve got a soft spot for the Tigers. It was a good group of boys and I got to know the fans who are passionate.
“I was trying to stay positive, but with how some of the score lines were playing out – there’s only so much you can take.
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“That was playing into me hanging up the boots until the phone rang (with an offer).”
While the 33-year-old acquired provides from Super League sides, he admitted that he wasn’t ready to maneuver his household to the opposite facet of the world.
“There was offers and interest over there (Super League), but I’ve got four kids at home and it would have been tough to pack them up,” Tamou continued.
“It would have taken a few months to get settled over there, get through the second season then possibly come back.”
Despite the provides the previous Blues prop revealed as soon as he discovered the Cowboys had been , making the transfer again to Townsville to play beneath Todd Payten was no-brainer.
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“My manager called up and said the Cowboys are interested – so I took it,” Tamou mentioned.
“It wasn’t even about the logistics and numbers, I just said yes straight away because I knew I wanted to enjoy it and not have the weight of the team on my shoulders.
“I’m going to have to try hard to get into this team.”
The final time Tamou wore a Cowboys jersey was in 2016, the place he performed beneath the late Paul Green.
Since then the 33-year-old realises his job with the membership will likely be fully totally different.
“My role has significantly decreased and I’m happy with that. I’m coming here to buy into what they’ve done,” Tamou added.
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“My role is to take that leadership role. Anything these guys need help with, they can pick my brain.
“I don’t want to make it too much about me. I admire what the boys have done and their style of play. They never gave up.
“The young ones are still learning and I’m still hungry to learn. I’m not expecting to walk straight into the team.
“There are genuine superstars – look at the number of boys in the Kangaroos and Origin.
“I’ll have to bide my time but I’ll put my best foot forward and bring my best every day.”