Tate torn over return home but 'owes' Warriors

Brent Tate admits he's torn between sticking with the Warriors and returning to Australia as he plays out the last season of his current contract with New Zealand's NRL club.

Tate made a welcome return to action on Sunday when he played for the Warriors against the Titans in their 24-18 loss on the Gold Coast.

It was his first NRL match since seriously injuring a knee just three games into last year's campaign.

Now that he is fit again there is speculation over the future of the big Queensland and Kangaroos centre.

There has been talk of reuniting with his old Brisbane Broncos club and lucrative British offers will be tempting for the 28-year-old.

Tate does admit loyalty to the Warriors after last year's unavoidable woes left everyone short-changed.

"My focus has been trying to get my body right but (coming back to Australia) has been in the back of my head," Tate told Fox Sports.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't. At this stage, I need to get some game time and when I do, I'll be weighing up my options but first I need to play some good football.

"I had some great times at the Broncos but I don't want to say too much publicly. Last time my future was played out in the media a lot and it became pretty distracting. I got caught in that trap, so this time I'll worry about football.

"I do feel like I owe the Warriors so I haven't ruled out staying. We haven't had talks yet. I'll get a better gauge of where I stand in the next few months."

Meanwhile, former Warrior PJ Marsh has had to call it quits after 10 years in the NRL with persistent back problems forcing his retirement.

The Broncos hooker will have disc replacement surgery next week.

The 30-year-old played four State of Origin games for Queensland and amassed 158 NRL appearances in a career with Parramatta, the Warriors and Brisbane.

Neck surgery threatened to end his playing time in 2003 and now his dodgy back has finally caught up with him.

- © Fairfax NZ News