North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein says unbearable knee pain is behind his decision to retire from the NRL with immediate effect.
The 30-year-old on Wednesday announced the end of his 213-game NRL career with 166 of those for the Cowboys after he joined them from Brisbane prior to the 2011 season.
Winterstein was part of North Queensland’s 2015 premiership side and played nine Test matches for Samoa.
He said at a news conference in Townsville he could no longer contribute as he wanted to.
“It’s something I tried to ignore but it’s something that had to happen,” he said.
“The last couple of months has been a big change in the way the knee was feeling and it got a bit unbearable to even walk after games.
“When it was affecting my ability to do my job for my teammates I knee it was time.”
He thanked his family, the club and coaching staff and said it had been an honour to wear the Cowboys jersey.
“Every time I put that jersey on I felt invincible – it’s a feeling that I can’t describe,” the emotional winger said.
Cowboys director of football Peter Parr said Winterstein had been integral to the team’s run of success.
“In Antonio’s first seven years at this club we played finals every year – that’s not a coincidence,” Parr said.
“He’s one of the toughest players I’ve seen in my time at this club and how long he played with a chronic knee condition highlights that.
“The way he has dealt with this injury has helped build the culture and professionalism that is part of our club now.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green echoed Parr’s sentiments.
“He has been a fantastic player, a premiership-winner, the epitome of toughness and a great team man,” Green said.
Winterstein scored 97 tries in his 10-year NRL career, which began with two years at the Broncos.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
I remember him vividly playing for the Roosters years back. So I've taken your advice and googled him and found this: 'Winterstein joined the Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg side in 2007 and played for their inaugural NYC in 2008.' with 2 sets of eyes, surely you would have seen that??
Canetoad
Guest
Winters, solid, get on with the job, a great finisher, a team player. One of the best defensive pairings with Linnet. 214 games, an obvious credit to a great footy player. 2009 his first NRL game playing for the Broncos playing against the Cowboys scoring on debut the team he would inevitably call home. 2015 Winterstein finished the Cowboys Premiership season as the Cowboys' top try scorer, with a career-high 16 tries. All the best Winters, thanks mate.
Canetoad
Guest
Played a little SG Ball Cup or whatever it is called. Played around 47 games for Broncos, and then the rest of his career with the Cowboys. Realy easy to google "Antonio Winterstein"
Rob
Guest
Well done Antonio. You will always be a part of Cowboys history winning the first ever premiership. Good call and good luck.
Griffo
Guest
Well done on a great career Antonio! The career wingman and you never let us done. You'll always be remembered as one of the first Cowboys' premiership players. As Sterlo said after the 2015 Grand Final, no one can take that away from you!
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
I liked Antonio as a player! Didn't he play for the Chooks as well? All the best mate!
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Well done Antonio on an excellent career. I wish you well in your future endeavours and hope that you get your knees sorted out. Well played mate, not everyone goes home with a trophy.
jimmmy
Guest
Thanks mate , the Cows are greatful for what you gave our club. You could rarely question his effort and really if all the guys in your team gave 100% like him every week you would win a lot more games than you lose. Hope all goes well for him in retirement. That premiership medal must be very sweet,