Family key for players’ decisions

STAR Cowboys players have denied that Paul Green’s prolonged contract talks could affect their futures at the club, claiming his decision will not weigh on what they do.

The Townsville Bulletin revealed last week that the Cowboys are becoming frustrated with the negotiations around Green’s future, with CEO Laurence Lancini stating the club will talk to other coaches if an agreement is not made soon.

There is also concern the prospect of losing Green could affect the playing group, with assistant coach Todd Payten conceding last week it may delay other signings for offcontract players.

But premiership- winning winger Antonio Winterstein, who is off contract at the end of this year, said Green would not play a role in his decision.

Winterstein said he had to do what was best for his family, regardless of whether Green was coach.

“North Queensland has been my home for the last eight years and I’m not wanting to go anywhere,” he said.

“At the end of the day I have a family to look after and kids to support so I’ll make the best decision that’s right for my family.”

Winterstein is not the only player off- contract, with Lachlan Coote, Justin O’Neill, Jake Granville, Kane Linnett and Ethan Lowe also looking to secure their futures.

Like Winterstein, Lowe wants to stay at the Cowboys and is not waiting on Green to help determine what he does.

The bench forward said he first has to prove he is worth re- signing before worrying about anything else.

“I’d like to stay but in the end I have to do what’s best for me. If that’s elsewhere, that’s what’s going to happen. I just have to concentrate on doing my role for the team,” he said.