North Queensland prop James Tamou to undergo neck surgery

The prop sustained nerve damage during a game against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs back in July and will go under the knife next Tuesday.

There were concerns that Tamou could be ruled out for nine months, but the 25-year-old is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks following the operation.

Tamou was out for a month after suffering the injury against the Bulldogs, but returned to play his part in the his club's NRL finals campaign.

The front-rower pulled out of the Australia squad for the recent Four Nations squad, but it is hoped he willl be back in action for the start of the NRL season next March.