“I’ve come to the realisation that with the image I have I can hopefully help others into the game of Wheelchair Rugby League and grow the game.”

A NSW and Australia representative and former Captain of the Wests Tigers, James Tamou is currently playing for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL.

James has established himself as one of the competition’s leading front-rowers since debuting for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2009. He won the 2015 premiership with the Cowboys and has played more than 300 games at the top level.

In addition to his footballing commitments, James is extremely passionate about helping others and wants to give back to the Rugby League community through his role as an Wheelchair Rugby League Ambassador.

He has a personal connection to the sport – his brother suffered a serious neck injury which doctors initially feared would leave him permanently wheelchair-bound. Although he walked from hospital, the recovery process is ongoing.

James hopes to “pay it forward” to others who may be struggling as a result of an accident or unfortunate circumstances by promoting the game of Wheelchair Rugby League as an outlet for mateship, a declaration of self-worth and demonstration of skilledcompetition.