Tate's career
could be over

Brisbane Broncos centre Brent Tate faces the very real possibility his career may be over after failing to overcome a shoulder injury. Tate had been playing through the pain barrier but scans revealed he suffered nerve damage and the damage has not healed as expected. Tate has been carrying the injury for several seasons but was tackled awkwardly last year, ending his season.

Tate at best will miss at least half the 2004 season but Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is likely not to risk Tate at all this season and work on rehabilitating the youngster so he can make a fresh start in 2005. Tate's injury will open the door for Warriors centre Tony Martin to fill the void at Origin level and with Justin Hodges back on deck for the Roosters, the Maroons are well served in the three quarters but the Broncos are not as fortunate.

Tate has only played 46 first grade games but has already represented both Queensland and Australia and his loss to the Broncos would be a crushing blow as Tate would be their main strike weapon in the backline outside Darren Lockyer.