‘I felt powerless. We were surrounded’: Footy star reveals his panic as he spent Christmas break defending his family’s homes from bushfire menace
- Penrith Panthers prop James Tamou spent some of his break fighting bushfires
- Tamou went to southern New South Wales to help his family defend their home
- He said the courage and determination he witnesses had given him strength
- He hopes to see Panthers fans come to an open training session on Saturday
A rugby league player spent part of his Christmas break helping his family defend their homes from bushfires.
Penrith Panthers prop James Tamou visited extended family in Braidwood in southern New South Wales so he could help them defend their homes.
He said he saw people break down in tears because they had nothing left but he found their strength inspirational.
Penrith Panthers prop James Tamou visited extended family in Braidwood in southern New South Wales so he could help them defend their homes (pictured)
Tamou (pictured) said he saw people break down in tears because they had nothing left but he found their strength inspirational.
‘Then they got up, kept fighting. I have drawn strength from it, these mums and dads, retirees,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.
‘I gained strength from these people. They were working tirelessly to make a dent in this terrifying, frigging bushfire.’
The hulking football player returned every day for a week to help protect the homes and put out spot fires.
However on one of the days things almost turned to disaster for Tamou and the brave people beside him.
‘There was one situation I felt powerless. We were surrounded. Flames were climbing up trees and we were doing our best to put them out,’ Tamou said.
He said as they fought to contain the blaze they heard someone in the distance shouting at them to ‘get the hell out of there’.
He said they could see the firefighters were being ‘stretched thin’ by the sheer number and size of the fires and was more than willing to lend a helping hand.
Tamou also helped to hose the roads down for cars to get in and out safely, at the request of firefighters.
Tamou said fires around the Braidwood region (pictured) had stretched firefighters thin and he was more than ready to lend a helping hand
The New Zealand born international player (pictured with wife Brittney Tamou) said there was one moment that he was completely surrounded by fires
Amazingly none of the homes were lost but the week-long battle has left a lasting impression on Tamou.
Proving he was deeply impacted by the strength, courage and bravery he witnessed Tamou has thrown his whole support behind the Panthers firefighter fundraiser.
On Saturday his team will be hosting an open training session at Panthers Stadium from 8am until 10am.
‘Everyone is welcome. Let’s come together to support the brave volunteers keeping us safe,’ a club announcement read.
Fans will be able to mingle with players and eat a free BBQ with the club encouraging donations for the firefighting effort.
The club also posted an image of Tamou helping to protect homes which drew widespread praise for the humble New Zealand born player.
‘That’s incredible James. Stay safe and good luck to all your extended family,’ one person wrote.
‘What an incredible thing you are doing Jimmy. Stay safe,’ another added.
‘A wonderful man for club and community. We are privileged to have him support others in this way,’ a third wrote.
Tamou has thrown his support behind the Penrith Panthers bushfire appeal with an open training session on Saturday where fans can meet players and give donations (pictured)