NRL: Plan already in motion for Tate replacement

The Warriors will aim to replace like with like by recruiting an experienced prop and centre to replace departing Australian internationals Steve Price and Brent Tate.

Recruitment manager Dean Bell said a contingency plan was in motion before Tate made his decision to quit the club for North Queensland yesterday. Discussions that had already begun with potential replacements would now be accelerated.

"We'll be talking to players but we are certainly not going to rush into it. We are not desperate. We have got Kristnan Inu who can play centre and obviously we have still got Jerome [Ropati]. We have got a bit of cover there. We are not panicking, put it that way."

After a drawn out negotiation period, Tate's decision to snub a two-year contract offer from the Warriors in favour of a three-year deal - reportedly worth A$750,000 - with the Cowboys was a relief for both parties, Bell said.

"We have been very patient because we understand it was a big decision for Tatey. We tried not to put him under any pressure. Obviously it's a relief for him to get him out in the open and it is certainly a relief for us that we know where we are. We can move on now."

Bell was coy about potential targets, laughing off a question as to whether any Storm players likely to be involved in the Melbourne club's predicted salary dump were on his shortlist.

"Maybe they are, maybe they aren't," he said.

The club has previously been linked with an approach to Storm prop Brett White, while Kiwis forward Adam Blair would also be an attractive possibility.

Tate, who is expected to miss another three matches because of the broken jaw he suffered against the Dragons in round 13, described leaving the Warriors as the hardest decision he had made in his career.

"It probably sounds a bit silly, but we have fallen in love with the place and the club, and it is very hard to say goodbye," Tate said.

"But you put you family first. That is the most important thing and that is what I have done."

The chance to pursue post-football career options in Queensland was a major factor in his decision, he said.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was disappointed to lose Tate but had tabled a competitive offer.

However, Tate's injury history meant the club baulked at offering the 28-year-old anything longer than a two-year extension.

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."