JIM’S MERCY D ASH
CITY Origin star James Tamou was forced to make an emergency dash to Mudgee hospital last night after his young child suffered breathing problems during the last City- Country game.
Outstanding for City, the Penrith prop was forced to leave celebrations early and head with concerned family members to the hospital.
Not even his City teammates were aware of the episode but a team official said last night that, despite the scare, the youngster was well and had suffered a chest infection.
The incident finished a whirlwind day for the Blues incumbent, who has also been under pressure to retain his place in the NSW Origin side.
Having answered an SOS from City Origin coach Brad Fittler on Monday, when the rugby league great was bat- tling to name a squad, Tamou then went and played easily his best game of the season, with City skipper Paul Gallen also outstanding in the 20- 10 win.
Fittler said there was no doubt Tamou had put his hand up for Blues selection.
Asked if Tamou had a point to prove this week, the coach continued: “Without a doubt.
“And you could tell from that start of the week that James saw this game as a real good opportunity to turn things around.
“Sometimes when you’re at your club and you’re constantly losing games it’s hard not to dwell on negatives.
“It’s hard to breath, press the start button and go again.
“But he did that this week. He’s been really good.”
Fittler said he also played the prop a combined 68 minutes because “Jimmy was the one we needed to give a chance to prove himself”.
While Tamou ran for 177m and made 27 tackles, Gallen ran for 190m and made 35 tackles.
“At the start of this week we were struggling to make a footy team but as soon as I knew I had Paul Gallen and James Tamou, I knew whatever I put with them they’d be safe. “That they’d be going forward. “Those two blokes really saved the day with the amount of work they got through.
“People talk about the importance of the one, seven, six and nine. But there’s no one more important than an eight and a 10. If they’re in order your side normally goes well.
Asked if he had spoken with Tamou about using the game to earn a NSW Origin jersey, Fittler added: “Not really. It was mentioned early ... he knew.”