North Queensland Toyota Cowboys prop James Tamou has been named in the New South Wales State of Origin team’s starting 13 for game two of the series at the MCG on Wednesday 17 June.
Tamou was outstanding for the Cowboys in their epic round 13 NRL win over the Parramatta Eels last night.
The Cowboys rallied from 30-6 down midway through the second half to pile on five unanswered tries in the space of 11 minutes to steal the 36-30 win.
Tamou was instrumental in the victory, running for 177 metres from 14 carries and making 31 tackles in 58 minutes of game time.
But rather than celebrate the club’s record 10th straight victory, Tamou was whisked away to the Blues’ team hotel ahead of this morning's team announcement breakfast.
He then flew out with his NSW teammates to their training base in Coffs Harbour as his fellow Cowboys flew back to Townsville for their round 14 bye.
A Queensland squad – expected to include Cowboys trio Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Michael Morgan – will be announced on Tuesday afternoon.
NSW team for Origin II:
1. Josh Dugan
2. Will Hopoate
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Brett Morris
6. Mitchell Pearce
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah
10. James Tamou
11. Beau Scott
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Paul Gallen (c)
14. Trent Merrin
15. Boyd Cordner
16. David Klemmer
17. Josh Jackson
Coach: Laurie Daley
