Brent Tate empathises deeply with Jharal Yow Yeh, the man he’s replaced as he prepares to play his first State of Origin game for Queensland since 2008.
Brisbane winger Yow Yeh’s horrific ankle injury which required skin grafts and several operations opened the door for Tate’s recall.
And Tate knows more than most about serious injuries – and fighting back from them.
He’s undergone three knee reconstructions in his career, the most recent after the 2010 Four Nations final loss to New Zealand.
Images of a distraught Tate collapsing into the arms of a team trainer as he came to terms with that latest injury and the road ahead are hard to forget.
He’ll cap his latest comeback when he runs out for his 16th Origin appearance against the Blues at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.
He’s spoken with Yow Yeh about his recovery road ahead and the difficult times he’ll face.
“I’d hope to think I’ve proved that anything is possible and if you do the hard work and do what they (doctors) tell you then you can make it back,” Tate told AAP.
“There’ll be dark days for Jharal.
“What he is going through and what he’s been through is pretty horrific already, but he’s a strong kid.
“When I read some articles I can just hear that determination in his voice that he’s coming back.
“It won’t be easy for him but mark my words, he’ll be back.”
Tate admitted he almost didn’t make it back this third time.
“The last knee (injury) was pretty tough, the motivation to get back and play, it was bloody hard, I had to force myself to do it,” he said.
“I was pretty much paddling most of last year it was a really long road.
The 30-year-old felt very emotional when he walked back into Origin camp this week after such a long break.
“It’s a massive privilege to wear this jersey,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve never taken for granted.
“”Now I’m back here, it’s sweeter and you cherish it so much more.”