James Tamou's bid to play NRL again in face of career-ending ban

Sports Reporter

Mon, 22 Aug 2022, 1:22 am·2-min read

Tigers captain James Tamou will attempt to escape his two-match ban so he can play in what could potentially his final game in the NRL. (Getty Images)

Tigers captain and veteran James Tamou is still fighting to play in the last match for the club next week after being charged for his verbal attack on referee Ben Cummins.

Tamou was sin-binned for dissent late in the Sydney Roosters' 72-6 thrashing of the Tigers.

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However, in a moment of madness, his penalty upgraded to a send-off for calling Cummins "f***ing incompetent" as he left the field.

Tamou showed his class and offered to face the media after the game.

The match review committee handed Tamou a grade-three contrary conduct charge and, while he has pleaded guilty to contrary conduct, he will seek to have his ban downgraded from two matches to one on Tuesday night.

Accepting the two-match ban could have spelt the end of Tamou's NRL career, given he is not contracted for 2023 and will be 34 by the time the new season begins.

If he is to escape the ban, he will be free to face Canberra in the last game of his contract.

Tamou's counsel will likely use the forward's actions after the game and his apology to Cummins in an attempt to get the charge downgraded.

Kimmorley praises James Tamou

Coach Kimmorley did praise Tamou for owning up to the mistake after the match.

Post-match press conferences are not mandatory for NRL captains but the Tigers interim coach applauded Tamou for choosing to front the media

"Jimmy was the first one to put his hand up and say, 'I want to come and do the press conference' and make himself accountable," he said.

James Tamou (pictured) celebrates a victory. — James Tamou (pictured) may have played his final game for the Tigers and in the NRL after being sent-off against the Roosters. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

Tamou also admitted that he was 'embarrassed' after letting his emotions spill over on the field.

"I'll wear the criticism all week. I've got to be accountable for my actions," he said.

"I've let everyone down. I've let myself down. I'm embarrassed.

"I've got four kids at home and that's how they're going to see that their dad acts."

Tamou is in talks to extend his contract at the Tigers for one year, but no official announcement has been made over the forward's deal.

with AAP

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