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NRL 2022: Josh Schuster v Kieran Foran in Manly halves showdown
Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic has weighed in on the looming showdown between rising star Josh Schuster and veteran Kieran Foran which threatens to unsettle the Sea Eagles’ season.
Superstar Tom Trbojevic believes there will be no “immediate” change to Manly’s halves combination despite Josh Schuster’s camp making inquiries about a promise to play the rising star at five-eighth.
Schuster’s management has reached out to the club reminding them of a promise made during contract negotiations that the 20-year-old would wear the Sea Eagles’ No.6 jumper.
The deal was made under CEO Stephen Humphreys, who is no longer at the club. It’s believed several clubs are monitoring the situation.
Halves showdown: Josh Schuster wants Kieran Foran's No.6 jersey - and Tom Trbojevic has weighed in on the battle.
Since re-signing until the end of 2024, Schuster, who had a breakout 2021, has mostly played in the backrow with coach Des Hasler opting for Kieran Foran at five-eighth alongside captain Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
Foran is without a contract for 2023 but the rejuvenated playmaker has been one of Manly’s best and is looking to play on beyond this season.
“He is obviously skilful and talented enough, there are no doubts about that. I don’t think that’s coming from Schuey himself but I think the best fit for us right now is Schuey playing second row with Foz (Foran) and Chez (Cherry-Evans) in the halves there,” Trbojevic said.
“I don’t see that changing in the immediate future but definitely in the long-term I can see Schuey making the transition into that spot and being our five-eighth.”
Josh Schuster (C) has been given certain promises about playing in the halves. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous
Schuster hasn’t played this season but is on track to return from an ankle injury as soon as next week.
Trbojevic has also pencilled in round nine’s clash against Wests Tigers for a return from knee surgery after a month on the sidelines.
“It’s going well. I’m not too far away … they said around a month so hopefully it will be next week. I kept playing when I did it, it was a bit sore after but a couple of days later they made me get a scan,” Trbojevic said.
Trbojevic’s comeback will ease one centre headache for NSW coach Brad Fittler.
Fellow Blues centre and South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell is racing the clock to overcome a hamstring injury before the side for game one is announced in late May.
But Trbojevic has backed Cronulla wrecking ball Siosifa Talakai to deliver in the Origin arena if called into the side.
Manly's Tom Trbojevic and Sean Keppie with ex-Parramatta player Steve Dresler CEO of Whatability. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
“Talakai would be awesome. Guys like Talakai and Kotoni Staggs are just two of the great centres that NSW have to pick from … whoever Freddie (Fittler) decides will do an awesome job.
“We are still a few weeks away, there is a lot of footy to be played between now and then but I’m sure Freddie will make the right call.”
Talakai’s destructive runs down Cronulla’s left edge tortured Manly centre Morgan Harper last Thursday night.
After missing six tackles, Harper was hooked for Tolutau Koula in the second half. Koula has been named to replace Harper for Friday night’s clash against South Sydney.
But Trbojevic believes Harper will bounce back from the forgettable performance.
“He is going OK. I think the criticism, and the way everyone was talking about him, has been a bit unfair,” Trbojevic said.
“He is an integral part of our footy team. He was awesome for us last year and he has been awesome for us at the start of this year.
“Everyone has bad games, myself included. I get that people want to talk about it but it’s not really fair. I know he’ll bounce back well, I’ve got no doubts about that.
