Brett Tate to make this Origin series his last in a bid to extend his Cowboys club career

BRENT Tate’s Origin series will likely be his swan song after the veteran Queensland centre signed a 12-month extension with the Cowboys.

Brent Tate is likely to retire from State of Origin to extend his club career.

BRENT Tate’s Origin series will almost certainly be his swan song after the veteran Queensland centre signed a 12-month extension with the Cowboys.

The Courier-Mail understands Tate will retire from Origin football after this year’s campaign to concentrate on the Cowboys next year.

The Cowboys will not pressure Tate to quit representative football, but the 32-year-old is pragmatic about his ability to juggle club and rep duties next season.

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Named 18th man for last week’s trans-Tasman Test, Tate planned to quit the Maroons and Kangaroos last year, only to be talked out of it by Justin Hodges and Corey Parker.

Cowboys coach Paul Green said he would have no issue with Tate continuing his rep career next year but expects him to put club before state and country.

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“My gut feeling is Brent won’t play rep footy next year,’’ Green said. “It will be his call and his form and how he’s feeling will dictate that.

“I’m glad he’s playing on with us. His heart had to be in it and Tatey is a proud guy.

News_Image_File: Tate signed a one-year extension with the Cowboys but will aim to extend his time in Townsville.

“He has to contribute as well and I have no doubt he can.

“He's done it all, played 21 Origin games and 20-odd Tests. He’s done everything in the game, he’s a good leader so it’s a boost for us.’’

Tate, who turns 33 next March, plays his 226th NRL game this Friday night against the Broncos and is on track to pass the 250-match milestone next season.

“I’ve really loved my time in North Queensland so it’s great that I’ll be able to stay here at the Cowboys for at least another season and a half,” Tate said.

News_Image_File: Tate, 32, is aware of costs of playing Origin football.

“I think I still have plenty to offer the club and happily they think the same way.

“I’m definitely still enjoying playing football, being a North Queenslander and everything that goes along with it.”

Brisbane centre Jack Reed, who will mark Tate in Townsville, has waged some intriguing backline battles with the former Bronco.

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“Tatey was a Queensland and Aussie rep when I came through here and you could see he was the ultimate competitor,’’ he said.

“It’s always a big ask coming up against an old head like him. He’s as busy as they come, he’s out there bustling around and knocking blokes over and jinking, he always keep you on your toes.

“Our derby games are always close and I really pride myself on these games, especially against Brent.’’