Tate Hopes To Reclaim Role In Australia's Semi-Final Side

Centre Brent Tate is desperate to force his way back into the Australian side for this weekend’s World Cup Semi Final – after being dropped for four-try Quarter Final hero Jarryd Hayne.

Despite beginning the tournament as starting Right Centre for the Kangaroos, the veteran Tate could only watch on as his replacement for the 62-0 win over the United States – Haynes – made the most of his starting opportunity.

However, Billy Slater’s knee injury in the second half of that game could give Tate a route back in to the starting line-up, ahead of Australia’s last-four clash with Fiji.

Tate himself is not certain of being picked by coach Tim Sheens for the Wembley showdown, but has promised to try and impress in training – after revealing his disappointment of being dropped for the Quarter Final.

The 31-year-old told AAP on Monday: “At the end of the day, it’s one thing to come over here but we all want to be playing in the big games.”

“I was really disappointed but, after a couple of days of kicking stones, you’ve just got to get on with it.

In Slater’s absence, Greg Inglis is expected to move to full-back. This will leave Tate battling with Josh Morris and Michael Jennings for the Left Centre jersey.

And Tate explained that he would be happy to play wherever he was asked to by Sheen, as long as he was on the field.

He said: “Hopefully there’s a chance there for someone, whether it’s me there (left centre) or on the bench.

“Unless you’re playing those big games, you always have that sort of half-empty feeling.

“I’d play in the front row if he wanted me to.”

Australia are such heavy favourites to win the World Cup that Betfair that Ladbrokes‘ price of 1.32 for Australia to lift the trophy at Wembley on November 30 is quite generous.

However, fans can also cover themselves in case Fiji catch the Kangaroos cold early on – as Ladbrokes are also offering odds of 5.65 for Fiji to score first.

For more information on how to sign up for a Ladbrokes account and receive a welcome bonus of up to $500, click here.