Brooke Winterstein vows family will stay positive for future New start for ‘ good guy’
BROOKE Winterstein says her husband Antonio’s retirement from the NRL will signal a new beginning for the family.
Antonio Winterstein announced the end of his 213game NRL career this week with 166 of those for the Cowboys after he joined them from Brisbane prior to the 2011 season.
Winterstein’s “unbearable” knee pain was behind his decision to retire.
Mrs Winterstein, who is expecting her fourth daughter in eight weeks, says her husband’s unexpected retirement was an emotional one for the family. “Endings are always sad. “It is one of those things that had to happen eventually but we didn’t expect it to be this soon,” she said.
“We were planning adventures overseas, playing overseas, so to find this all out in the last week is very, very sad.”
A tearful Mrs Winterstein sang the praises of her husband, saying he was one of the “good guys.”
“Antonio is not just the footballer that everyone knows, and I don’t have to say this because he is my husband, but he is such a wonderful role model to so many,” she said.
“There are so many stats that come with being a footballer, how many games and how many tries, but at the end of the day, I’m always blown away by him. He is a genuine good guy.
“The younger guys at the club have always approached him and have always asked him for advice.
“He takes the time to stop and really listen and to be there for those who need him to be.”
Mrs Winterstein said it would take time for the family to process the end of her husband’s playing career.
“He has been playing for so very long with this chronic knee condition,” she said. “For now it’s about resting his body and taking it day by day, week by week. Then we can figure out our next step.
“Antonio and I are both hard workers and especially when it comes to providing for our daughters. I know that Antonio will do the best in any new role that he takes on. He’d be an asset to any employer.”
Mrs Winterstein said the family was determined to continue living in Townsville despite not having extended family in the region.
“We have made Towns- ville our home, so we want to stay here,” she said.
“One thing I know for sure: whatever our future holds post- football, it will be a good one. It’s important to be positive, and important to show the girls how to rise up from disappointment.”