The Courier-Mail is reporting that State of Origin and Australian prop James Tamou is being shopped around to rival clubs as the bookend struggles to find his feet for North Queensland to start season 2015.

A few short years ago Tamou was the most dominant front rower in the competition but has failed to find consistency through a couple of frustrating injuries which included a serious neck problem.

Despite the rumours, Cowboys official Peter Parr played down the potential move.

“I’ve heard the rumours about Jimmy being shopped around,” Parr told The Courier-Mail.

“James or his manager haven’t said anything to me (about wanting a release). Nothing has come to me informally or formally at this stage, but if it does, I will address it then.

“He’s battling a bit of confidence, but I don’t think he’s got any demons with his neck. The surgery was a success, he had a good recovery and our medical staff can’t be happier with how he’s recovered.

“If anything, Jimmy should take confidence out of the fact the operation was successful.

“He’s like a few of our players at the moment, he’s down on confidence, but we’ll continue to give him as much support as we can.

“Hopefully, he can get back to the form that won him his representative jumpers.”