James Tamou has been ordered to give evidence via video link for Luke Thompson’s eye gouge hearing on Tuesday night.

Tamou accused the Canterbury prop of gouging him in Penrith’s 42-0 win on Saturday, with the English Test forward sent straight to the judiciary.

Tamou had not intended on involving himself in the hearing, but AAP can reveal he was on Monday night requested to appear via video conference.

It’s understood Canterbury had objected to the on-field referee’s audio being entered in as evidence for the hearing if Tamou could not be challenged on his claims.

As a result, the NRL’s judiciary counsel had to ask for Tamou to be available or else risk going into the case without being able to present his on-field complaint.

Privately, minor premiers Penrith are frustrated about the Bulldogs’ move given their captain is getting pulled into the matter in what is the most important week of their season so far.

The 31-year-old is leading a group of young players into what is for many their first finals series.

He has also had a string of other commitments this week, including Monday morning’s season launch.

He did not miss any training for that appearance and nor will he on Tuesday night with it already down as a scheduled rest day.

But it is another unwanted distraction with the former Kangaroos prop to spend Tuesday preparing a statement before the hearing.

Tamou has since said he wishes no ill will to Thompson, accepting that any contact with his eye could have been a mistake.

But he has never backed down from his on-field claims.

“I read that he had his troubles, he was getting a bit homesick (during the year),” Tamou said on Monday.

“I want him to stick around, I think he is a great asset to not only the Bulldogs but to the game. I think he has a lot to offer.

“I don’t want any negative towards him.

“My eyes were closed … he said after the game he didn’t realise he had done anything, he was just trying to grab something to get him down.”

On field, referee Henry Perenara could be heard asking Tamou if he was making a complaint about an eye gouge.

When Tamou answered “yeah”, he was asked who the complaint was against and pointed at Thompson, before confirming he believed he was the player in question.

Thompson is facing a lengthy ban if found guilty, charged with the more serious “eye gouge” offence rather than dangerous contact with the eye.