Although he was born in New Zealand, Tamou spent his teens in Sydney, coming up through the grades at the Roosters. It is understood the Cowboys are prepared to grant him an early release and Sydney clubs have been sounded out about their potential interest.

The top priority for the northerners is the retention of outstanding forward Taumalolo, who is one of the hottest properties on the open market.

The New Zealand international has been compared to Sonny Bill Williams and has started to fulfil his potential under coach Paul Green. At just 21 – and already tipping the scales at 110 kilograms and standing at 191cm – he could command up to $800,000 per season on the open market. That would make him the highest paid forward in the game.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden and chief executive Jim Doyle met with Taumalolo in Townsville on Tuesday in an attempt to finally land a big-name recruit.

Last week Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan also met with him while other interested clubs include the Roosters and St George Illawarra. The Cowboys are keen to retain him and the departure of Tamou would free up extra funds under their salary cap.