NSW Blues player charged with drink driving
North Queensland Cowboys and NSW Blues forward James Tamou has been charged with high range drink-driving.
Police have confirmed a 24-year-old Kirwan man registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.197, which is almost four times the legal limit.
The prop, who was part of New South Wales' Game I State of Origin victory last week, has admitted he 'had several drinks' before deciding to drive.
A North Queensland statement confirmed the incident.
"NRL squad member James Tamou has been charged with a drink-driving offence after being pulled over by police in Townsville," it read.
CEO Peter Jourdain said one of the club's key players would not contest the charge, and will face penalties.
"Tamou has admitted to the club that he had several drinks earlier in the night and he will not contest the charge," he said.
"The Cowboys are extremely disappointed, as is James, in these events.
"This is his first offence. He knows it is a serious one and that he will have to pay a penalty."
Blues officials are yet to comment on the charge.
It is unclear what specific punishments Tamou will incur, but it remains possible he could yet face sanction by the NRL's Independent Commission.
