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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
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