Tamou says Sydney talk is a real pain in neck

JAMES Tamou says he will see his Cowboys contract out – dismissing speculation he wants to return to Sydney.

While Tamou has shot down talk he wants out, the fact remains that rival NRL coaches have been told the giant prop could be available for 2016.

NRL clubs have been told Tamou wants to move to Sydney, where he spent his teen- age years, for the sake of his partner Brittney McGlone’s athletics career.

The talk surprises Tamou who had his best game in 18 months in the Cowboys’ golden point win over the Storm.

On Monday, the Cowboys take on another top four contender in the Panthers as they make their first trip to Sydney.

Asked if he was considering leaving the Cowboys, Tamou was blunt. “Not at all,” he replied. “I have no idea (about moving to Sydney).

“Some people seem to know more than I do about my life.

“I have no idea what is going on there.”

Tamou has also revealed he is suffering neck pain after every match and it is a condition he will have to endure through the rest of his career.

He is contracted at the Cowboys until the end of next year on about $650,000 a season, and is among the highestpaid props in the game.

Last Monday, Tamou finally started playing like it – but he requires constant rehabilitation of the neck injury.

Tamou said his neck was no excuse for underperforming in the opening three rounds.

“I needed that game, that feeling, for my confidence.”