3 minute read

Penrith captain James Tamou will play his final game for the club in the NRL grand final against Melbourne.

Whatever happens against Melbourne in Sunday's NRL grand final, it will be James Tamou's final game for Penrith.

But the skipper has banished thoughts of leaving as he prepares for one of the biggest games of his career, in which he will lead an inexperienced side out against premiership heavyweights Melbourne.

The 31-year-old former Australia and NSW prop is in the midst of a stellar season for the Panthers and has rediscovered form that won him a premiership with North Queensland.

Having accepted a two-year-deal to join Michael Maguire at Wests Tigers next season, Tamou admits he is holding emotions at bay by ignoring them until after fulltime.

"I haven't really thought about it which is probably a good thing because I don't want to get too emotional about it, he said.

"It's just a thing at the moment, not thinking too far ahead."

Tamou claimed the 2015 NRL premiership with North Queensland before shifting to the Panthers for the past four seasons.

But watching Melbourne thump Canberra in last week's preliminary final sent shivers down his spine.

The Panthers have a vastly inexperienced side compared to the Storm, who have played in four of the past five grand finals.

"They were fast, executed so well. It was almost scary," he said.

"They were just quick in the middle of the field.

"The Raiders were obviously good against the Roosters but the Storm just made them look like another team.

"That's the danger of the Storm. We've just got to do our thing. Do all our homework and do everything right.

"We're here but we have another game to go and what better team than the Storm to play, who are world-class."