Winterstein wants NRL over rugby offers

Apr 25, 2017 - 5:56 PM Manly second-rower Frank Winterstein is being chased by overseas rugby union clubs, but insists he wants to stay in the NRL.

Surprise-packet Winterstein is off-contract at the Sea Eagles, and has one of the most unique backgrounds in the competition.

After debuting at Canterbury in 2008 and playing just five matches, he went to the English Super League for five seasons.

But after representing Samoa in the 2013 World Cup, he headed to the 15-man game in Japan, before attempting to qualify for Australia in the rugby sevens at last year's Olympics.

It's now understood that both European and Japanese rugby clubs have expressed their interest in the 30-year-old - but he maintains he wants to make it long-term in the NRL.

"I have to look at all options but I really enjoy my time here at Manly and I would love to stay in rugby league," Winterstein told AAP.

"It's the game I've played since I was a kid. I really want to prove myself as an NRL player while I've got the opportunity."

Manly are aware of the outside interest, and talks have begun with Winterstein who is keen to repay the Sea Eagles for giving him a second shot at the NRL.

He played the final three games of last year for Manly, before putting on 7kg over the off-season in a bid to return to rugby league fitness.

And he said that while he was still getting used to the dominant rugby league style of tackling, the stint away had helped his NRL.

"I came back a different player than I was in 2013," he said.

"In the 15-man stuff I was an inside and outside centre. I did a lot of work on my long and short-range passing and a bit of kicking.

"The sevens program really boosted my endurance and fitness overall - it's probably hands down the fittest I've ever been."

Both facets showed in Manly's 20-18 golden-point win over Canberra last Friday.

Winterstein set up a late try for fullback Tom Trbojevic to send the match into extra time, with a slick inside ball after breaking through the defensive line.

And as he enjoys his best stint in the NRL, his story is symbolic of an under-rated Manly side who has shocked everyone to sit inside the top eight.

"We all bring something different to the table," he said.

"We're very confident that if we play to our potential we can match it with anybody."

Source: AAP