Veteran prop James Tamou thought his rugby league career was finished and was back in the workforce when he got a call out of the blue to rejoin North Queensland for one last hurrah in the NRL.
The 34-year-old won the 2015 premiership at the Cowboys and it was the club where he established himself as one of the game's leading front-rowers to gain NSW and Australian selection.
He is now targeting another NRL title and has a second wind.
After captaining the Wests Tigers last year in a season where they claimed the wooden spoon, Tamou was doing some delivery work and resigned to being satisfied with his 305-game NRL career.
"I thought it was over when the season finished last year," Tamou told AAP.
"It was obviously a tough year at the Tigers. I had come to terms in my own mind with my career being over.
"I was actually back doing a bit of work. I was working doing a bit of delivery stuff just to pay the bills.
"Around grand final week I got a call from my manager saying the Cowboys were interested. I said 'yes' straight away.
"The opportunity at the Cowboys, not only do I get another shot but I get to enjoy it a bit more knowing it is my last (contract).
"It is also a full-circle moment. I can finish my career where it all started."
There were a few overseas clubs in Super League keen but Tamou has four children and the lack of family support made uprooting his life and going to the other side of the world less appealing.
He also has family in the Townsville region, heightening the attraction of a return to the club.
Tamou dares to dream about adding to his 2015 premiership ring.
"I have thought about that. To do it again in my last hurrah is the ultimate goal," he said.
"I have great memories of 2015. People to this day still talk about what it has done for the community.
"My role on the field is pretty simple and off it I have the experience to help the young ones.
"Some of them are straight out of school so I can tip them up about all the little things to help them in the first grade arena.
"The boys played so well last year and I've been able to understand how (head coach) Todd Payten and the coaching staff have got this team going.
"The players here are talented on the field, and off it they do everything right."
