Brent Tate’s decorated and courageous rugby league is over.
The 32-year-old Test and Queensland Origin back has announced his retirement, accepting medical advice that returning from the ruptured ACL sustained during this year’s State of Origin series was one fight too many.
Tate, who played the last decade of his career with a neck brace, had already returned to play after three previous knee reconstructions.
Tate will be farewelled with a lap of honour at his club North Queensland’s NRL final round home match against Manly in Townsville on Saturday night.
“On the advice from the specialist, I’ve had to decide to stop playing rugby league which is unfortunate but necessary if I want to enjoy my post-football life,” he said.
“When you have young kids, there’s more to think about than just playing footy and I want to have the best chance of enjoying my life with them.
“I’m really grateful to have had the career I’ve had and will always cherish the experiences and opportunities that rugby league, and playing for three great clubs, as well as my state and country, has given me.”
Tate begun his career at Brisbane in 2001 and went on to play a total of 229 first grade matches at the Broncos, Warriors and Cowboys.
A premiership winner with the Broncos in 2006, Tate played 26 Tests for Australia and 23 State of Origin matches for Queensland – three times fighting his way back into representative squads following serious injury.
He suffered a neck injury in 2003 which resulted in him playing with the brace for the remainder of his football career.
“There’s part of me that’s sad I won’t be playing anymore, but there’s a part of me that’s excited to experience something else.”
Tate will remain at the Cowboys in an off-field role.
Tate’s rugby league career
NRL appearances: 229 (81 tries)
Clubs: Brisbane (2001-07), Warriors (2008-10), North Queensland (2011-14)
Tests: 26 (2002-08, 2010, 2013)
State of Origin matches: 23 (2002-04, 2006-08, 2012-14)
* Premiership winner 2006
* Tri-Nations winner 2006
Joel
Guest
Well Edward and Squid, you just prove how successfully Tatey did his job, to be hated so deeply by NSW fans means he did a great job for QLD and Australia.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
only said to influence the jury outcome
Edward Kelly
Guest
Sorry I didn't read the article and I thought he had tragically died from all the comments, didn't realize he was just retiring (Irony alert)
RMC
Roar Pro
You're right everyone is entitled to their opinion. However I find it unnecessary and somewhat disrespectful to share this when he's retiring. Yes he did punch a player on the ground, not that this justifies it, however there were a lot of players who did grubby things in that game and he did as retaliation. A number of players do things completely out of character during the heat of Origin. I also think you need to let it go - remember all the niggle between JT and Reynolds, earlier this year? Straight after the game they shook hands and left it on the field. As far as the penalty thing, having watched most of his games at Cowboys and Maroons, I can't recall him feinting an injury (although nearly every player, despite their denials, has at some point overplayed an injury for a penalty). Did you ever consider in Tate's case however he may have been more sensitive/worried about neck injuries? Also if you twisted your neck the wrong way, it doesn't take much to hurt it.
RMC
Roar Pro
Squidward, if Alex Mckinnon had said is was the most scared he had every been during the tackle that ended his career, would you mock him? For that split second Tate, a player with a history of neck injuries, had no idea (same as Mckinnon during his tackle) if the tackle could have been as bad or worse. When I rodeoing there were times when you'd come off in bad position for a split second you are worried about hurting yourself. It can genuinely shake you up afterwards. And please don't tell me only said to influence the jury outcome - does anyone actually think the jury would be swayed comments from the victim?
Ranga
Guest
Tough bugger to keep coming back and continually making it to the absolute top. was a pleasure to watch you esp when playing for the mighty Kangaroos, most other times I was crying ;)
Edward Kelly
Guest
Each to their own. Seem to remember him giving a NSW player a pretty grubby punch when the player was being held down by another QLD player. Here is an opinion to upset you QLDers. Tate used to highlight his neck brace to feign injury to pull penalties for the softest of high contact all the time (nearly every match). It was well done as it always worked. Credit where credit is due, he was a master penalty puller.
Joel
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5TZhdqNmwY&index=7&list=PLHNuEZ14A3G5Y-4kTqHm1XKXYJ5JAIp7H
Joel
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuoVoAsTw3k
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I'm glad he won't be fearing for his life anymore. At least Issac luke will instead
The Koomz
Guest
I hate the guy but he truly is a champion. Farewell Tatey.
djcooper
Roar Guru
A true champion and such a shame he couldn't go out on his own terms. Was gutted when he left the broncos but he has had a stellar career with many memorable moments.
up in the north
Guest
There's always one isn't there. Thanks for that stellar contribution edward.
Edward Kelly
Guest
Has a future in Olympic diving as seen by some of his performances. Will miss that chin!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Wow
NQ Cowboy
Guest
He never played a bad game for the Maroons. It's easy to forget how good he was when he started at the Broncos. Speed to burn and tough in defence. I hope the young Cowboys players took the opportunity to learn from him.
Rasputin
Guest
Brent Tate, I have named one of my sons after you 'coz of who you are, the toughest man to ever played my favorite game - rugby league! Go cowboys!!!
Judge Holden
Roar Guru
I loved that try in the 2006 Origin decider. The way he slammed that football down so full of passion. On ya Brent.
Paneer
Guest
This is why noone should EVER complain about high player salaries. Players dont get long in their careers and often suffer life-long ailments. I have no issues if a footballer earns a million bucks a year. If you have an issue with this youre jealous and small-minded (and probably povvo!) :)
Bluebag
Guest
Absolutely. He scored a couple of unforgettable long range tries in the green and gold; I remember one beauty at Homebush against NZ in 2004 and another in the 08 RLWC final.