North Queensland Cowboys winger Antonio Winterstein says tropical north can fix broken careers

COWBOYS winger Antonio Winterstein says the tropical seachange is a telling factor in the careers resurgence of Tautau Moga and Matthew Wright.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 09: Tautau Moga of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the round 22 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Wests Tigers at 1300SMILES Stadium on August 9, 2014 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

COWBOYS winger Antonio Winterstein says the tropical seachange is a telling factor in the careers resurgence of teammatese Tautau Moga and Matthew Wright.

Winterstein would not hesitate to recommend a move to North Queensland to other players who are sick of being in the big city spotlight.

Wright and Moga have been in strong form since joining forces in Round 17, when Moga played his first game for the club after joining mid-year from the Sydney Roosters.

They combined for five tries between them in last week’s demolition of Wests Tigers while still contributing to their defensive duties, matching up to the likes of Titans strongman Dave Taylor.

Antonio Winterstein loves the community spirit in Townsville. Pic: Evan Morgan

Both men travelled north to revive their careers after hitting a standstill in Sydney, and have been given the chance they were looking for.

“They have been outstanding and their combination is really coming along well,” Winterstein said.

“It’s good to see Matt Wright take his opportunity with both hands and he’s definitely hit the ground running.

“It just shows what a place like Townsville can do for a player. I think the community has really changed the way he plays.’’

The lack of distractions combined with an easygoing community made a big difference to the players, according to Winterstein, who said he had benefited from his move to North Queensland in 2011.

Winterstein’s double against the Tigers moved him to eighth overall in the Cowboys’ tryscoring records.

“Being an NRL player you’re in the spotlight and up here they really look after us and give the players their space.

Antonio Winterstein has been a massive success story for the Cowboys. Pic: Zak Simmonds

“I think you’ve started to see what it’s done to Tau and Wrighty and they’re really enjoying their footy as well.”

Winterstein will mark Penrith winger David Simmons on Monday and was wary of the threat of last year’s equal leading tryscorer.

“Every time he gets the ball I’ve just got to cut his time down because he’s a big guy and has good footwork and he’s good under the high ball,” the Cowboy said.

“I’ve got to be on my A-game this weekend.’’