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Brisbane winger Brent Tate is reported to be close to signing a long-term National Rugby League contract with the New Zealand Warriors.
Tate, 25, has been linked in recent weeks with a move to the Warriors, and Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper today said he was on the verge of confirming plans to cross the Tasman next season.
The deal was thought to be worth $400,000 a year and would mean the Kangaroo flyer joining up with Queensland teammate and brother-in-law Steve Price at the Auckland-based club.
Tate was believed to have turned down strong offers from the Broncos, Penrith and at least one English Super League side, the Courier-Mail said.
There had also been talk of a switch to rugby union, but the Australian Rugby Union withdrew its offer last week after receiving an International Rugby Board ruling.
The IRB ruled that Tate could not be registered because of the neck brace he has worn since his career was seriously threatened by a neck injury in 2005.
Tate is among a swag of Broncos coming off contract. The others include Brad Thorn, Petero Civoniceva, Justin Hodges, Shaun Berrigan, Greg Eastwood, Darius Boyd and Steve Michaels.
- NZPA
