JAMES Tamou may be stood down from representing North Queensland on Friday night after being arrested for drink-driving - but he will be there for NSW in State of Origin II.

Tamou, 24, was pulled over by police in Townsville at 3.30am on Monday and allegedly blew a blood-alcohol reading of 0.197 - nearly four times the legal limit.

He was also charged with driving unlicensed and will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on July 2.

North Queensland has handed over a report on the incident to the NRL's Integrity Unit.

Cowboys officials will tomorrow determine whether Tamou should play Friday evening's game against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

Tamou was named to play.

It's understood that Tamou holds a Queensland licence, but left his wallet at home on the night in question.

SUPERCOACH: ROUND 14 NRL TEAM TALK

NSWRL boss Geoff Carr and Blues coach Laurie Daley told The Daily Telegraph today there was no reason yet why Tamou should miss the Suncorp Stadium match on June 26.

''Jimmy is a very important member of our side,'' Daley said.

''We will certainly let the process run its course but I am sure Jimmy will be there, barring injury, for game II.''

Carr said he had no plans to stand down Tamou for the second game against Queensland.

''We are aware he has been charged but we're not sure of the severity just yet,'' Carr said.

''If there has been a positive test, the matter will go to court.

''It wouldn't be appropriate for us to get involved if the NRL or Cowboys haven't made a decision on his playing.

''History says he will be allowed to play until the legal process has taken its course.''

North Queensland released a statement confirming Tamou's arrest.

''Tamou has admitted to the club that he had several drinks earlier in the night and he will not contest the charge,'' it read.

North Queensland CEO Peter Jourdain confirmed his club would work with the Integrity Unit.

''The Cowboys are extremely disappointed, as is James, in these events,'' Jourdain said.

''James is taking responsibility for his actions and is very remorseful that he has put himself in this position.

''This is his first offence. He knows it is a serious one and that he will have to pay a penalty.''

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Asked would Tamou play on Friday, Jordain said: ''Based on precedent, I think he will.''

The drama is the last thing needed by under-pressure coach Neil Henry.

Henry is battling to save his coaching career and needs his team at full-strength against the Dragons.

Meanwhile co-captain Johnathan Thurston will return on Friday after missing North Queensland's past two matches.