Frank Winterstein

After announcing their 24-man squad in Samoa on Friday morning, officials were given the belated news that Newcastle Knights skipper Mata’utia and Knights-bound Brisbane centre Moga have been ruled unfit.

After starting in every game this year for the Sea Eagles, he signed a deal on Tuesday until the end of 2019.
The 29-year-old, lured back to rugby league last year from Rugby Sevens, has flourished under coach Trent Barrett in 2017 to be a cornerstone of their pack.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity Trent gave me last year after three years out of the game," Winterstein said.

"For me, it was about making the most of the opportunity and I have loved every moment of it.

The 29-year-old from Canterbury in western Sydney began his professional career with a handful of appearances in the National Rugby League with the Canterbury Bulldogs, making the move to the English Super League in 2009 with stints at Wakefield Trinity and Widnes.

Winterstein also represented the Samoan Rugby League national side before crossing codes to play Rugby Union for Kintetsu Liners in Japan as a hulking, 194cm outside centre.