James Tamou’s emotional apology after ‘incompetent’ spray likely ends NRL career, Wests Tigers beat Roosters 72-6.

The incident occurred in the dying stage Humiliating Tigers loss 72-6 to Sydney Roosters at the SCG on Saturday night.

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Roosters forward Angus Crichton had just lost the ball from dummy half, but Cummins decided it was a set back.

Tamou was then seen barking at Cummins when he was part of Crichton’s three-man tackle.

Cummins quickly blew the penalty and sent Tamou to Shinbin, putting up ten fingers and saying “You can go.”

Furious Tamou fought back: “You are incompetent.”

That was enough for Cummins to upgrade the sin bin to a full send-off.

Tamou wasn’t done and had a few things to say before leaving the field.

However, the red haze soon disappeared and Tamou realized the gravity of what he had done and apologized in front of the media at a press conference.

Tamou’s 304th game, whose contract expired at the age of 33 at the end of the season, could be his last in the NRL.

“First of all, I apologize for my actions towards Ben Cummins. They (referees) are doing a great job,” he said.

“It wasn’t directed at him, but frustration overwhelmed me, emotions overwhelmed me. I will learn any criticism and take responsibility for my actions.

“The behavior of players trying to take off their jerseys, clubs and buttocks is unacceptable.

“I took it easy instead of shaking hands or making eye contact with them. I had to wear it all week. Wear criticism. I have four children and they watch how their father behaves.

“So I continue to criticize all week. I have to take responsibility for my actions because they were unacceptable and I let everyone down.”

“I’m disappointed, I’m ashamed. I’ve disappointed many people.

“Instead of looking at myself in the mirror and being accountable, I took it out on the wrong people. It’s also taking the easy way out. I’m clearly devastated.”

Tamou wouldn’t be the first player to abuse a referee on the field this season, as Melbourne’s Brandon Smith received a three-game suspension for calling. Referee Adam Zee was a ‘cheat guy’ early in the season.

Tamou did not expect this to be his last act on the NRL field, but admitted it was a devastating prospect.

“Yeah, I didn’t think of it until someone mentioned it and my heart dropped,” Tamou said. It’s going to be a tough road for a game that has given so much and given its body.

“It’s a great game. It’s one of those games you can’t play,” Tamou said.

“You always have to be a student of the game and I feel like I keep learning. That’s what I love about games.

“You give everything to this game. You don’t just go to training and then go home and switch off. You’re a 24-hour player, you go home, you recover, you eat, you do it all.” I love it.

“I love devoting my body to it. I’ll be a realist and go out and find a job.

Coach Brett Kimoley said it was “extremely painful” to see him in such a shattered state.

“Jimmy was the first person to raise his hand and say he wanted to be held accountable by coming to the press conference,” Kimory said.

“Over 300 games tall, amazing guy.