NRL: Tate determined to return to Warriors

Injured Warriors centre Brent Tate is out for the season. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Centre Brent Tate is determined to get through some mentally tough times that lie ahead and make a successful return to National Rugby League action next year.

The New Zealand Warrior spoke today about the season-ending injury that he suffered to his right knee against former club Brisbane last month.

"I love playing footy and I'm passionate about playing for the Warriors," he said.

"Hopefully next year, I can just come back and continue on."

Tate, 27, knows all about lengthy stints in the casualty ward.

He plays with a brace because of neck problem that once threatened his career.

Then two years ago, he was chopped down by similar anterior cruciate ligament damage to his other knee while playing for Queensland in the State of Origin.

That injury him Tate out of action until he made his debut for the Warriors at the start of last year.

"It's been a tough couple of runs, I guess, especially as they're just so hard to get back from," he said.

"It's another challenge for me. I've done it before and I'll do it again."

The 19-test Kangaroos international said he never seriously thought about giving the game away after his latest misfortune.

But he knew that a tough period of rehabilitation lay ahead and having gone through it before didn't make it any easier.

"I think someone said that having had one before is a good thing because you know what to expect," he said.

"I'm not quite sure. I just know how hard I had to work to get back last time. It probably took me 12 months to get over that."

The most difficult aspect would be the mental side and trying to deal with another prolonged period on the sidelines.

"It's a funny sort of feeling," Tate said.

"You feel like you've let the guys down."

The timing of his latest injury, in round three of the competition, meant he was definitely ruled out for the rest of 2009.

That knowledge carried with it the minor consolation that he wouldn't have to rush his recovery.

"I can take my time and concentrate on my rehab now," he said.

"It takes the pressure off coming back this year."

Tate said surgeon Barry Tietjens, who operated on his knee, was pleased with the outcome.

"One of the positives was that there was not too much damage to my cartilage, which is obviously a relief."

There had been plenty of support from his family, teammates, including skipper and brother-in-law Steve Price, and club officials.

- NZPA