Brent Tate ... is tackled by Michael Jennings during game 1 of State of Origin 2013. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited
Queensland's golden generation is set to lose another member, with Brent Tate revealing he is almost certain to join close friend Justin Hodges in retiring from rep footy after this year.
Coach Mal Meninga yesterday began dismantling the greatest - and oldest - line-up in Origin history by replacing Ashley Harrison, 32, with Josh Papalii, 21, and Dave Shillington, 30 next week, with 24-year-old Daly Cherry-Evans.
Tate, who will win his 20th Maroons start at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday, inked a new one-year deal with the Cowboys this month but admits representative retirement is just around the corner.
The 31-year-old is now the oldest Queensland player, narrowly edging former Broncos teammates Corey Parker and Hodges, who is almost certain to pull the pin after this year.
"I'm thinking the same way. I'm starting to definitely feel that way," Tate told mX.
"As you get older it gets a bit harder. I'm definitely thinking along the same lines as Hodgo.
"It's in the back of my mind - it's a young man's game now.
"There are a few of us that are getting on a bit. I know my time in this team is coming to an end.
"All good things must come to an end and that's why I savor every moment of being here."
After 15 matches for Queensland, Harrison became the first casualty of Meninga's concerted push to bring down the average age of his squad.
"I know it would have been really tough for Mal but we are an ageing squad," Tate said.
"It's really difficult not to have (Harrison) here because he's been a really big part of everything we've done. But it opens the door for others and it's up to them to do the jersey proud.''
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