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Tim Sheens is considering taking a huge gamble in the Rugby League World Cup final by selecting veteran centre Brent Tate as one of his four interchange players to take on New Zealand this Sunday morning (AEDT).
With fullback Billy Slater on course to make a miraculous recovery from the knee injury he suffered in the Kangaroos demolition of the USA in the quarter finals, it is likely Greg Inglis will switch back to the centres and force Tate out of the starting 13.
However, this does not necessarily spell the end of his tournament, with Sheens hinting a spot on the bench is a possibility.
Tate is a gifted ball runner who has spent the majority of his career playing in the centres for the Broncos, Warriors and Cowboys.
He is also an excellent finisher and has played on the wing at club, state and international level.
There is no doubt he would inject some speed and energy coming off the bench, but this appears to be nothing more than a selection based on sentimental value.
Tate missed the 2008 final loss to the Kiwis after tearing his hip flexor in Australia’s semi-final victory over Fiji.
He has also fought back from a career threatening neck injury to achieve some of the game’s highest accolades.
While this would be a fairytale finish to the popular 31-year-old’s international career, a World Cup final is no place for such a gamble.
Let’s not forget that Tate has already been dropped in favour of Parammata fullback Jarryd Hayne and is basically on standby if Slater fails to overcome his injury in time for kickoff.
Hayne has scored seven tries in the Kangaroos last two outings and has formed a lethal right edge pairing with winger Josh Morris.
Daly Cherry Evans is the team’s preferred utility interchange player and has had a stellar tournament so far.
This begs the question: What would Brent Tate’s role be if he was selected on the bench?
Surely against a monster Kiwi pack, and newly crowned international player of the year Sonny Bill Williams, a specialist forward would have a much better impact then an outside back.
Tate is courageous and would have no problems with the workload, however New Zealand have such quality across the park that any potential weakness will be exposed.
After a dislocated shoulder ended Luke Lewis’ campaign prematurely, Josh Papalii has found his way into the squad and would add some much needed aggression to Australia’s fringe defence.
He can also step up to the front row if necessary and has had a breakthrough tour so far.
If there did happen to be an injury to one of the Kangaroo’s superstar outside backs, Cherry-Evans, Greg Bird and Corey Parker are all capable of slotting in to a reshuffled formation without too much disruption to the game plan.
The Kangaroos are desperate to avenge their 2008 World Cup final loss and should Billy Slater succumb to his knee injury then Brent Tate is worthy of a place in the centres.
However, using him as an impact player may be a gamble not worth the risk on such a grand stage.
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