This time a year ago James Tamou just missed out on the man of the match award after Australia’s win over New Zealand in the annual Anzac test.
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Fast forward to Sunday and the powerful prop will run out for City against Country at Mudgee’s Glen Willow Sports Complex.
The Penrith Panthers man, understandably, would rather be wearing the green and gold but knows exactly why he’s missed out.
“It [his form] is not where I want it,” Tamou admitted to NSWRL.com.au.
“My standard for myself is obviously a lot higher than what I have been playing and it just needs to be better. Hopefully this break will do it good.
“I need to take everything up an extra level. Obviously being one of the oldest at the club now, I need to lead up front.”
Tamou is now keen to lead from the front for City and keen to play alongside Panthers teammates Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey, Bryce Cartwright and Nathan Cleary.
“It’s obviously special to play the Anzac Test,” he said.
“But it’s special (to be named for City) – as you get older you get excited about making these sides.
“You really take a hold of it. It’s more exciting seeing the young talent coming through, young players mixing with the older players.”
With a devastating hamstring injury to Aaron Woods, Tamou will hope to improve his form quickly to prevent Laurie Daley selecting two new starting front-rowers for game one of State of Origin.
