Knee injury leaves Queensland winger Brent Tate’s career in the balance

BRENT Tate’s career hangs in the balance with the winger to undergo scans to determine if he requires a fourth knee reconstruction.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 18: Brent Tate of the Maroons is helped off the field after an injury during game two of the State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 18, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

BRENT Tate’s glittering career hangs in the balance with the Queensland winger to undergo scans on Thursday to determine if he requires a fourth knee reconstruction.

In a devastating postscript to Queensland’s series loss on Wednesday night in Origin II, coach Mal Meninga admits the Maroons are “fearing the worst” after Tate’s latest injury setback.

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Playing his 23rd Origin match, Tate’s night ended in the 57th minute when he hobbled off holding his right knee after being caught between two Blues defenders.

Meninga was unsure of the precise nature of the injury on Wednesday night but is hoping the luckless Tate has not suffered another rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament.

Brent Tate is carried off.

The sight of Tate sobbing in the Suncorp Stadium sheds after injuring his knee for a third time in the 2010 Four Nations final is one of the code’s most vivid images.

The 32-year-old overcame a third knee reconstruction to fight his way back for Queensland and the Maroons camp was on Wednesday night collectively praying and hoping.

QLD's Brent Tate goes down injured.

“We fear the worst unfortunately,” Meninga said.

“Tatey has to have another scan, but he’s been such a courageous player, he’s had some horrid luck.

“He is a tremendous man, a great football player and let’s hope he is OK.

“We’re hoping that he’ll get back to playing again.”

Brent Tate catches a ball.

It has been an emotion-charged series for Tate. In Origin I, he was the victim of a dangerous throw from Josh Reynolds and now he is hoping this injury will not signal the end of his 13-year career.

Tate considered retiring last year, but his brilliant club form for North Queensland convinced him to sign a 12-month extension for the 2015 season.

Brent Tate jumps for the high ball with Daniel Tupou.

While Tate suffered more bad luck, his Cowboys teammate Matt Scott also endured a horror night.

The Maroons prop fractured his cheekbone midway through the first half after colliding with a NSW opponent and did not return.

“We lost a really crucial player in Matt Scott early in the game and that has an impact on your footy side,” Meninga said.

When it was pointed out the dynasty was officially over, Meninga hit back at the press and called for the side’s brilliance to be truly celebrated.

Brent Tate of the Maroons is helped off the field after an injury.

Despite crashing to their first series loss since 2005, skipper Cameron Smith said the Maroons were determined to avert a rout in Origin III on July 9.

“A lot of the guys don’t know this feeling,” he said.

“They have been lucky to win a lot of series. I just said to the boys I am extremely proud of their effort tonight and in game one and the last eight years we have been involved together.

“The thing that has made this team great is we have been very humble. We have done something very special but this will probably be the best Queensland side ever.

“To break up the side now would be outrageous, we still believe we have a great side there.”