As he approaches what could potentially be his final NRL game, James Tamou looks set to be watching from the stands. It would be sorry end to a near flawless career.
James Tamou was unceremoniously sent from the field in the Tigers’ tough 72-6 loss to the Roosters on Saturday night, verbally abusing referee Ben Cummins.
Although there is no room in any sport for those types of actions to occur, the NRL has to consider extraordinary action for one of the few true gentlemen of the game.
Tamou has had a storied career, winning a World Cup with Australia in 2013, playing all three games in NSW’s 2014 Origin victory and winning a premiership with the Cowboys the following year. He also captained the Panthers to a minor premiership in 2020, a runner-up in the Grand Final that same year. He would then join the Wests Tigers that off-season, named captain before even playing a game for his new club.
In 304 NRL games, Tamou has had a near perfect record on and off the field, keeping his name out of trouble and becoming a classy leader for all his clubs.
Currently without a contract for 2023, the 33-year-old faces the very real prospect of retirement at the end of this season, with a fitting send off in front of the Tigers’ faithful at Leichardt Oval this weekend.
However, Tamou has been charged by the Match Review Committee and will face a two-game suspension by taking the early-guilty plea – essentially, or at least potentially, ending his NRL career. Certainly his time as a Tiger.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe NRL has shown zero tolerance to players who have been sent of the field for dissent towards referees, with Brandon Smith recently given a lengthy ban on the sidelines for calling a referee a ‘cheat’.. along with some other colourful language.
Tamou, unlike others who have faced a similar sentence, showed instant remorse in the post-match press conference. It was sincere and executed with maturity.
“First of all, I apologise for my actions towards Ben Cummins, they do a terrific job,” he told the media.
“The frustrations got the better of me, the emotions got the better of me. I’ll wear any criticism and be accountable for my actions.
“The actions aren’t acceptable towards the jersey, the club, the players trying their backsides off.
“I took the easy way out and I’ve got to wear that all week now, wear the criticism, I’ve got four kids at home and that’s how they’re going to see how their dad acts,” Tamou stated.
The notion that the Kiwi native should be allowed to play in what could be his final game has been widely supported across the league, with the Tigers releasing a statement issuing their intent to challenge the decision to give Tamou a proper send off.
After everything that Tamou has given to the game and for the incredible role-model he has been for the majority of his career, the NRL should allow Tamou to play his final game and punish him on the financial front.
