Leaving your home and making the move to a foreign place is never an easy move for any player but after establishing himself in Townsville after numerous years, Antonio Winterstein made an easy decision.
He re-signed with the North Queensland Cowboys for a further two seasons, in a deal that will see him remain at the club until the end of 2018.
Winterstein made his debut back in the 2009 NRL season for the Brisbane Broncos, before making his Cowboys debut in 2011.
Since that time, he has gone on to play 115 games for the Cowboys and a total of 162 games in his NRL career.
A big winger, Winterstein is a self-less player and does what is required for the team and his efforts drew praise from Cowboys coach Paul Green.
“Tones has proven himself at this level time and again. He’s a consistent performer, a great finisher and shows strong leadership on and off the field,†Green said.
“To play over 150 games at this level is no mean feat and we’re thrilled to have him continue his time at the club.â€
For Winterstein himself, now established in Townsville with his wife and his three daughters, the area feels like his new home.
“It really feels like home up here now,†Winterstein said.
“We arrived in North Queensland five years ago, we absolutely love the club and the lifestyle, and so I’m pleased to be able to continue to play for the Cowboys.
“I’m enjoying my footy, we had great success last year and I’m extremely positive about what lies ahead.â€