One of the most resilient players the game has ever seen, Brent Tate overcame multiple injuries in his playing career, displaying guts and determination. This ambassador for the game truly shows what it means to put on the Maroon jersey and has inspired many along the way, so let’s take a look back at his rugby league journey.

Player to watch Brent Tate was born March 3, 1982 in Roma, Queensland. Plucked from the Redcliffe Dolphins by the Brisbane Broncos in 2001, he quickly earned a reputation as a player to watch. It didn’t take long for Tate to earn representative honours when in 2002 he took the field for his first State of Origin match in Game III, made the Kangaroos squad and also won the Broncos ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. Playing a total of 229 NRL matches, Tate made his way from the Broncos to the Warriors in 2008, followed by the Cowboys in 2011.

The first Test His impressive form continued into 2003 where he scored two tries in Australia’s 48-6 thrashing of the Kiwis where he sustained a potentially career-ending neck injury only two years into his first grade career. The aid of a special neck brace allowed this Queensland champion to not just continue playing against all odds, but to excel as a rugby league icon over an incredible 13-year professional career.

Unbelievable resilience Tate suffered further injuries ruling him out of the 2005 State of Origin series and again at the start of the 2006 NRL season. He shocked the world of Origin with his guts and determination by returning in State of Origin in Game I, 2006. Game III of that series saw Tate score a crucial try that started a comeback for the Maroons. The team eventually won the game and series, while Tate himself was named man of the match, cementing his status as a Queensland Origin legend. Following his Origin comeback, Tate also proved himself at club level as an integral part of the Broncos 2006 grand final win and being again rewarded with national selection.