NRL: Family a factor for departing Tate

Brent Tate will play for the Cowboys in 2011. Photo / Dean Purcell

Brent Tate says family reasons rather than contractual considerations convinced him to play his rugby league for the North Queensland Cowboys for the next three years.

The former Kangaroos and Queensland State of Origin centre today confirmed he will leave the New Zealand Warriors at the end of this season, a decision he described as the hardest of his career.

"Probably it sounds a little bit silly but we have fallen in love with the city (Auckland) and the club," he said today.

"But when you put your family first that's the most important thing and that's what I've done with this decision."

Tate said he ultimately wanted to live in Queensland once his rugby league career was over and get into business.

He said his history of injuries showed him he needed to think about life after rugby league.

"The big thing for me is that it's back in Queensland, which is our home," he said.

"I'm 28 now and I feel as thought while I'm still relatively young in football terms, I'm nearing the end and it's very important now that I start to focus on my life after football and those opportunities are undoubtedly a lot greater in Townsville.

"I couldn't ignore that fact, especially with my history of injuries, I thought it was real important now to start the focus on life after football and that's why the move back to Queensland is the best fit for us," said Tate, who is presently sidelined with a broken jaw.

The Warriors confirmed they had offered Tate a two-year deal but that Tate instead accepted a three-year deal with the Cowboys.

Tate said the length of the contract was a factor but not the determining one.

"I've got an extra year at the Cowboys, which is another year of security, but I think at the end of the day it's purely been on my life after footy and where we're going to be positioned."

Tate arrived at the Warriors from the Brisbane Broncos in 2008. He has played 39 times for the club and scored 10 tries.

He said leaving the Warriors was a much tougher decision than choosing to join them.

Tate said he still wanted to help the Warriors finish this season well.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said Tate had been an important part of the team.

"He's a true professional. He's been there and done that in terms of his football so he draws on a lot of experience. He's got a lot of respect in the team."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said he was also disappointed to be farewelling Tate.

"Brent is a terrific player to have at the club and he's a great ambassador for the game," Scurrah said.

"We put up a competitive two-year offer and really wanted him to be part of our future but we totally respect his decision and the other factors that went into it."

- NZPA