Bronco Tate to join Warriors

[Scorpio30]

BRENT Tate will become the first high-profile star to quit the Broncos at the end of the season, with the Test flyer set to sign a long-term contract with New Zealand Warriors.
Tate's deal, which is thought to be worth about $400,000 a season, will see the Kangaroos and Maroons winger link with brother-in-law Steve Price across the Tasman next season. The Broncos camp has been keen to delay any contract announcements until after Friday night's crucial game against the Dragons, but The Courier-Mail understands Tate is on the verge of confirming plans to link with the Ivan Cleary-coached Kiwi side.
He is believed to have turned down strong offers from the Broncos, Penrith and at least one English Super League side.
Tate had also been linked to a possible switch to rugby union, but the Australian Rugby Union withdrew its offer last week after the International Rugby Board ruled he could not be registered because of the specialised neck brace he has worn since his career was seriously threatened by a neck injury in 2005.
The 25-year-old has played 15 Tests, 10 State of Origin games and 112 NRL matches since making his Broncos debut against Melbourne in round 21, 2001.
Tate, from Redcliffe, will become the first Test star to depart the Broncos stable, with off-contract dual international Brad Thorn expected to follow suit at season's end.
Brisbane has yet to secure the services of fellow internationals Petero Civoniceva, Justin Hodges, Shaun Berrigan and Greg Eastwood, while young guns Darius Boyd and Steve Michaels are also off contract.
Civoniceva is thought to be close to agreeing to a new two-year deal with an option for a third, in the club's favour.
Berrigan was originally expected to move to England next year, but the loss of Tate may free enough resources to keep him in Brisbane.
Civoniceva yesterday admitted the loss of Tate or Berrigan would leave a void in the Broncos bunker.
"It will be different – those guys have been here from the start of their careers," Civoniceva said. "And for one of those guys to go – of course it always leaves a void within the group.
"But in saying that, we've got some great young kids coming through."
He admitted the speculation over the club's host of off-contract players had taken its toll.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21815295-10389,00.html

 

[Rich102]

Bugger!

 

[mean_maori_mean]

Warriors are not looking good for the future - who Cleary to go out and pay all this money for a winger.
Cleary will get sacked by the end of the year.
At least if theres progression and development of a competitive team we'll be happy.
Last two years we relied on Wiki and Price.
This year Price and perhaps Rapira - no stable halves combo (5 halves signed to club - Why)
They need to start bringing along Mcdade and Fai or else start looking to buy back some young kiwis like Harrison or Eastwood.

 

[NZ Warrior]

Thank God, we've signed a white guy.

 

[Mixmasterreece]

young kiwis like Harrison or Eastwood.

Harrison and Eastwood, while both talented, are hardly established first graders.

 

[Martli]

It'll be worth it if we let go of byrne and Martin (even though I personally don't think we should get rid of martin).

I still think we need a 2nd rower, Eastwood would be a MINT signing.

Btw - Say goodbye to your representative career Mr. Tate :lol:.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Good signing. In the context of Warriors' history, a massive signing and a major coup. Having said that, I doubt it will lead to a particularly huge change in our fortunes, if we continue to have no good options in the halves and no sting in the forward pack.

 

[Dr Crane]

Thank God, we've signed a white guy.

You stirrer :lol:

 

[Dr Crane]

I still don't see why people want rid of Martin. At absolute worst he would be a very handy backup for Mannering or another centre.

He's been outstanding this year, dare i say one of our best. Especially when he had Crockett outside him.

 

[Skinner]

I still don't see why people want rid of Martin. At absolute worst he would be a very handy backup for Mannering or another centre.

He's been outstanding this year, dare i say one of our best. Especially when he had Crockett outside him.

I'd say that you are absolutely correct Vic, one of his best seasons thus far. He was never
ever going to be a superstar, but solid, and Daniel bought him as a kicker and that's not
going too badly this season.

 

[mean_maori_mean]

Harrison and Eastwood, while both talented, are hardly established first graders.

Well both have played every game this year - Harrison played around 40 NRL games.

The fact is we dont just want established we want players who are going to get better - these two are just an example, players who are going to become powerhouses even stars.

While I admit I didnt want Tate - he has proven to be a game breaker and his experience and his killer attitude gained from playing for bronc,aussie and Q'land hopefully will rub off.

If we pay him 400,000 he'l obviously need to play in the centres.
Byrne will be let go surely - probably along with martin.

But who knows Cleary signs four halfbacks.


WE SHOULD HAVE OFFERED HODGES 400,000 A SEASON - EVEN ATTEMPTED TO SIGN HIM.

Also we could of kept clinton toopi and let him gain some form back instead with went with two boring centre who offer nothing in attack

 

[Mixmasterreece]

I'd have to agree. Tony has done little, if anything, wrong this season and those prior.

He is a solid player, something needed amongst a team harbouring players who are known for their shoddy defence and brain explosions.

This whole campaign against Tony bemuses really. Many other players in that squad are far more deserving of the chop , byrne, Swann and Lui (thankgod he's going), spring to mind.

 

[Dr Crane]

This whole campaign against Tony bemuses really. Many other players in that squad are far more deserving of the chop , byrne, Swann and Lui (thankgod he's going), spring to mind.

Its either 2004 hangover or the Kiwis only club.

I haven't worked out which is dumber.

 

[mean_maori_mean]

Its either 2004 hangover or the Kiwis only club.

I haven't worked out which is dumber.

actually its the fact that we signed a 400,000 rep players who happens to play centre and then we got another guy who also a international centre. figure it out

Lui on his way out -
Swann hasn't been offered a new contract
likewise with Byrne.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Also we could of kept clinton toopi and let him gain some form back instead with went with two boring centre who offer nothing in attack

OMG
:crazy:

 

[mean_maori_mean]

OMG
:crazy:

Mate hes a certified legend - someone who was scored two hat-tricks against aussie and including the tri-nations final - deserved a chance - infact I would love him to come back.

With our halves so unstable - someone such a toopi could create something him self.

Mannering and Martin offer nothing in attack.
Mannering will be dreaming if he thinks he going to be kiwis centre come end of the year.

 

[Fast Eddie]

You f**king beauty!!!!!!!

Awesome signing!

Oh wait he isn't a Kiwi se we are not allowed to be happy about it.

 

[Scott]

Mate hes a certified legend - someone who was scored two hat-tricks against aussie and including the tri-nations final - deserved a chance - infact I would love him to come back.

With our halves so unstable - someone such a toopi could create something him self.

Mannering and Martin offer nothing in attack.
Mannering will be dreaming if he thinks he going to be kiwis centre come end of the year.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Stop it!

:lol: :lol:

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Mate hes a certified legend - someone who was scored two hat-tricks against aussie and including the tri-nations final - deserved a chance - infact I would love him to come back.

With our halves so unstable - someone such a toopi could create something him self.

Mannering and Martin offer nothing in attack.
Mannering will be dreaming if he thinks he going to be kiwis centre come end of the year.

certified legend

omg

and you are the certified worst poster ever at this forum

 

[Scott]

For the record - he never scored a hat-trick in a Tri Series Final.

His hat-tricks were at North Harbour in 2003 and Sydney in 2005. Neither of which were finals.