Brent Tate’s rep career is over

I won’t be surprised to see Brent Tate’s rep career over. Quite simply he is not getting enough opportunities to shine now that he’s playing for the Warriors.

I blogged about Brent Tate when news broke that he had signed with the club - mainly around the pressure he would face being the marquee player in the backline.

No doubt the guy is a very good player, worthy of Queensland and Australia, but we now have a situation where we have a (reported) 400k marquee signing wasting away in the centres.

It’s rather obvious to everyone now that the Warriors needed to buy a decent half back instead.

For Tate’s rep teams, Queensland and Australia, there are no shortage of centres and wingers ready to step up - think of Slater, Hodges, Inglis, Folau, Bell, Tonga etc.

So what now for Brent Tate?

Well he looks frustrated, angry even at times, especially during the away game hidings they have had so far in 2008. In one respect, it’s probably going to develop his leadership skills - as there seems to be a lack of leaders on the field he is taking matters into his own hands and trying to fire up the side. That can only be good for the Warriors. Plus there’s not actually much else he can do anyway.

All he can do is hope things get better, and that coach Ivan Cleary picks a decent halfback.

We should also look at the bigger picture for the Warriors. It won’t go unnoticed in Australia that Tate is struggling, so the next time we attempt to purchase a big name, they will no doubt think twice about crossing the Tasman because of the impact it would have on their career.

Unfortunately they have lost Steve Price and Wade Mckinnon, and the team is stuttering as a result. Neither Tate nor the Warriors could foresee this situation arising.

It will be interesting month as the team becomes more desperate to gain form and confidence. If they do, then we may see Brent Tate show his skills.

Sadly for Tate it’s probably going to be too late to save his rep career.