NRL: Warriors in battle to retain star centre

Warriors centre Brent Tate has attracted attention from the Broncos and Cowboys. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Warriors are locked in a three-way scrap to retain marquee centre Brent Tate, with the North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos both pursuing the Queenslander.

Tate confirmed discussions with the Warriors were at an advanced stage, while his agent George Mimis has also been gathering offers from other interested clubs.

Tate is anxious to get a deal done as soon as possible, and could make a decision within days.

"I know George and [Warriors chief executive] Wayne [Scurrah] have ramped up the discussions the last couple of weeks," Tate said.

"I'd really like to get it sorted pretty soon. Not that I am getting impatient or anything but it would be nice to know what is going on. Then I could just settle down and play footy. The last couple of weeks Origin has been there in the back of the mind and then your deal - it can get on top of you at times.

"I'd like to get it all sorted and be able to move forward."

The ball appears to be firmly in Tate's court, with Scurrah saying the club is waiting to hear where it stands from Mimis.

"Nothing has been resolved yet, there is not much more I can say," Scurrah said.

Tate confirmed he had received offers from other clubs. Brisbane have long signalled their interest and the Herald understands the Cowboys have also joined the pursuit.

"George has been in contact with a couple of clubs," Tate said. "I have tried to stay right out of it and just focus on playing footy. I have said to George, 'Once it is time to make a decision let's talk about it then."'

That time appears to be rapidly approaching.

Although overlooked by the Queensland selectors for next Wednesday's Origin opener, Tate has made an encouraging return from a second serious knee injury.

He joined the Warriors in 2008 and has played 36 games, scoring nine tries.

Tate ruptured an ACL playing for Queensland in 2007 and did it again three games into the 2009 season. Those injuries have meant the Warriors are yet to see the best of the 28-year-old but re-signing him remains the top priority.