Frank Winterstein enjoys going about his trade quietly.
“I want to go under the radar. I definitely know what my role is within the team,’’ Winterstein said.
“I know what I have to do out there for Trent (Barrett) and the boys.”
Winterstein has a remarkable footy story. The hard working second-rower has played 20 games for the Sea Eagles in 2017 in his first full season in the maroon and white.
He made his debut for Manly in round 24 last year after missing out on selection in the Australian Men’s Rio Sevens Olympics squad. A meeting with his former Roosters coach John Cartwright led to Winterstein joining the Sea Eagles located next door to the Sevens offices.
Prior to that, the former 2004 Australian Schoolboy had made his NRL debut in 2008 for the Canterbury Bulldogs before stints in the English Super League, and playing rugby across Europe and Asia.
Winterstein – who recently signed a new two-year deal with the Sea Eagles – was named Players’ Player after turning in his best game for the club in the superb come from behind win over the Sydney Roosters at Lottoland last Sunday to end the team’s two game losing streak.
He set up a beautiful try for full-back Tom Trbojevic with a powerful break and run down the left edge.
“I have just been doing my job week in, week out the best that I can. If you can make breaks or set up tries, that's just a bonus for the side,’’ Winterstein offered.
“I’m pretty happy with where I’m going. There is still definitely room for me to improve my game. I just need to back up my performance against the Wests Tigers this Sunday.
“I’m 31 in December and we have got a few young boys in this team who are keeping me on my toes.
“It has given me a new lease of life and I am really enjoying my footy at the moment.
“I want to make the most of this opportunity and repay Manly for showing their faith in me.”
Winterstein said the self-belief in the team was due to the best pre-season he had ever experienced.
“There is a lot of belief and confidence when we are together. It is a big brotherhood and there is a good vibe going on here,’’ he added.
“We are not shy in what we believe we can achieve. It is something that is in the back of our minds for the next four games and leading into the finals.
“It is about creating our own legacy and I think we are going alright. These next four games are massive.”
