
Australia and Queensland stalwart Brent Tate has called time on his 13-year career in the NRL after picking up a fourth serious knee injury in this year’s State of Origin series.
The 32-year-old winger, who has made 229 appearances in the NRL for three clubs, has 26 Australia caps and 23 Origin appearances.
He suffered a near career-ending neck injury in 2003 – he’s played in a brace ever since – and has had three knee constructions. It’s fair to say he has been lucky to extend his career this far.
“That’s what makes me feel OK with everything,” Tate told AAP.
“It could have ended a lot earlier. I think I was only 23, 24, maybe even younger at the time when that neck happened so it could’ve been a lot worse. I’ve been able to play 10 years or so years after that.
“After the third knee I actually thought I was done. I never, ever thought in my wildest dreams I was going to be able to play rep footy again. To get back there was awesome, I loved it – it’s a piece of Rugby League history.”
Tate will remain with current club North Queensland Cowboys in an off-field role.