Cowboys winger Antonio Winterstein was all smiles when North Queensland welcomed their premiership heroes home but one face was notably absent in the crowd.
In March this year, Antonio lost his younger brother Francis Fotu Winterstein.
The former Brisbane Broncos scholarship holder and Centrals player in the Townsville competition had taken his own life, leaving behind a shattered family.
Winterstein missed just two NRL matches despite his grief and finished as a vital cog in the premiership charge with 14 tries and seven line breaks.
But he played every game fighting back the tears, desperate to push on and dedicate the blessing of an NRL career to his late brother.
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"Every game I play is a dedication to him from now on," Winterstein said.
"Last night was no different.
"It still hurts, I'm still taking it day by day.
"I've just got to keep moving forward."
Winterstein was feeling the love at the Cowboys civic reception in Townsville on Monday, where about 15,000 fans poured in to congratulate the team.
"It just shows what kind of fans we've got up here," he said.
"They are the best in the comp.
"Week in, week out, they turn out, win or lose.
"This win is dedicated to them as well."
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
