Frank Winterstein says the humble experience of playing 'reggies' is just one of the driving factors in ensuring he finishes the season strongly for Manly.
Winterstein played in all of Manly's 25 matches in 2017 but has managed just eight games heading into Saturday's clash against Penrith. The strong running back-rower has only started in two games this season with the remainder off the interchange bench.
The 31-year-old has now played 36 matches since joining the Sea Eagles at the back end of 2016 from rugby union.
"It has been one of those up and down years for me personally.
"I want to finish the year off strongly and cement that starting spot going into next pre-season with Manly.
"I set my goals pretty high this year on the back of last season. I knew my role was going to change a bit with the club bringing in Joel Thompson. He has been a great acquisition for us.
"I just want to do my job wherever 'Baz' (Trent Barrett) puts me."
Winterstein has played the past seven matches for the Sea Eagles after experiencing some tough weeks in the Intrust Super Premiership with Blacktown Workers.
"I went back to Blacktown and worked on a few things. I'm happy to just be back in the starting team now for Manly,'' Winterstein said.
"When you go back to reggies, it is a humbling experience but a good experience. You are there for a reason and you come away learning why you got there in the first place.
"You make sure you do everything you can for when you do get that chance again in first grade.
"Over the past two weeks, I feel like I have got my hands on the ball a bit more and got back to some of the form I had last year.
"I am really looking forward to building on that against a very good Penrith pack.
"The last two games against them last year were pretty spiteful and hard contests.
"They are the ones who knocked us out of the finals last year, so that is in the back of our minds."
