13 Jun 2013

James Tamou dropped from Origin after arrest

5:54 am on 13 June 2013

The New Zealand-born rugby league star James Tamou has been dropped from the second State of Origin game and fined $24,000, following his arrest earlier this week.

The North Queensland Cowboys prop was sanctioned by the NRL after he was arrested and charged for high range drink driving and driving without a licence on Monday.

Tamou is ineligible for selection for New South Wales in the next Origin game and will also miss the Cowboys' game against the Dragons on Friday.

The National Rugby League Chief Executive Dave Smith says the heavy penalties reflect the seriousness of the offences.

The NRL will also work with the Cowboys and Tamou to implement additional education and welfare programs, including responsible driver education.