I'm happy with what we have in FR. To me NAS feels like an Adam Blair. Looks great under Bellyache but wouldn't back him in another system. Even Craig left him in reserve grade for a month this year for fitness reasons.
The No-Look News (Schuster Chronicles)
- Thread starter The better Robbo
- Start date
frank stokes
I discriminate indiscriminately
I am not sold on Lodge… but he is probs a done deal…
NAS and Paseka starting with Sips and Oshay on the rotation would be awesome in my eyes… been very impressed with Josh this year after having given up on him altogether..
The '47ers
Your resident two-headed Queenslander
I was ordering some food this Arvo and when she asked what sauce I looked at the board and said Aloiai instead of Aioli, talk about embarrassing.
Fair enough on Lodge, we only have a small sample size of him in a manly jersey and his track record when he has the security of a long term contract isn't great. We have had 1 or 2 props missing for all bar 1 of our games this year and outside of the St Merge game they have been great.
I think the gap between Burbo/Waddell and Fifi is bigger than the gap between Lodge/Bully and NAS.
frank stokes
I discriminate indiscriminately
Fair point mate
joshcooper123
Reserve Grader
schuster in italian restaurant in broadbeach at the gold coast, predicting conversations with dez as he played his best season under him and with foran as his half beside him
The '47ers
Your resident two-headed Queenslander
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LeonardCohen
Bencher
BahahahahahaNine's Wide World of Sports, Match Results & Live Scores
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More typical click bait journalism.
Schuster Demand revealed. All Schu apparently said he wants to be considered a 5/8th, not a 2nd rower and will get his fitness right to be a 5/8th.
I think if he gets fit and motivated, he would be a good foil to Hynes at Cronulla.
Maybe should have thought about that last year. He couldn’t be bothered to put in the effort required to play 5/8 when he was picked as 5/8. He lost the role due to his apathy and then has the front to demand that role.
Sounds more like he just wants to play in one of the highest paying positions
Sounds more like he just wants to play in one of the highest paying positions
The Insomniac
Reserve Grader
Apparently the meeting never occurred. Wonder why ?
Apparently he was going to lose weight and get fit . We know why and so does he and his manager
And they still have not found a solution
another season or two with the master Foran to continue Shoe's education and development, but I thought Des had about given up on trying to get him fit.
Well, with Fifi possibly jumping ship. The Schu with manager in tow are now testing the waters on the GC strip...mmm..
LeonardCohen
Bencher
There is always a plan with Schu. Gonna do this, gonna do that…perception is reality. The reality is he has done nothing except fail up to this point…made some good coin along the way.
manly al
First Grader
Certainly should help him find or eventually find another club somewhere with the base 200 k he will be receiving for a while yet .
Probably may even be content with a basic train and trial arrangement even on a one year deal plus the 200 K . May not have not much choice in the current circumstances playing and fitness wise . For the remainder of this season , could be any variation if a club would be prepared to take him on
No idea what would apply contract wise if he opted to have a crack in the English Super League but would imagine clubs there would be a bit hesitant as well.
Probably his injury prone predicament has been his main problem for some time now and hard to say how that may go in future times .
Really hoped naturally and like many other Manly supporters that he could have been a really successful long termer for the club but just was not to be .
Certainly was not the case for lack of opportunities when all is said and done and in the realistic sense .
Maybe will still be able to utilize well his genuine talent and in many ways will be a shame if he can not .
Probably may even be content with a basic train and trial arrangement even on a one year deal plus the 200 K . May not have not much choice in the current circumstances playing and fitness wise . For the remainder of this season , could be any variation if a club would be prepared to take him on
No idea what would apply contract wise if he opted to have a crack in the English Super League but would imagine clubs there would be a bit hesitant as well.
Probably his injury prone predicament has been his main problem for some time now and hard to say how that may go in future times .
Really hoped naturally and like many other Manly supporters that he could have been a really successful long termer for the club but just was not to be .
Certainly was not the case for lack of opportunities when all is said and done and in the realistic sense .
Maybe will still be able to utilize well his genuine talent and in many ways will be a shame if he can not .
‘It’s not about money … I felt a weight off my shoulders’: Schuster opens up on Manly departure.
When Josh Schuster walked out of Manly headquarters for the last time in April, he left behind a seven-figure sum of money.
“I walked out of the building with a smile on my face; I’ve never been happier,” Schuster said. “It was a big weight off my shoulders. At the end of the day, we’re human. Hearing and seeing all the [criticism directed at me], it hurts you and your family.
After, I felt a big weight off my shoulders; a big relief, if anything. I know it’s a lot of money, but I don’t play footy for money. I play for the love of the game.
“When I’m happy, I play my best footy; I’m not really that fussed about the money side of it.”
Next season was meant to mark the first of a three-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Sea Eagles. With it came the expectation that Schuster would fulfil his undoubted potential, including the late, great Bob Fulton’s prediction that he would eventually replace Daly Cherry-Evans as Manly’s captain and chief playmaker.
Instead, the Samoan international finished his Brookvale stint in reserve grade this season and unable to add to his 50 NRL appearances. In a bid to cut their losses, the Sea Eagles provided a $1 million severance package to get him off the books.
It’s obviously sad, but I’m feeling excited for a fresh start,” Schuster said. “I’ve got nothing but love and respect for the boys there, all the coaching staff. I have no negativity towards them at all; I’ve got nothing but love.”
Schuster speaks about playing his best football when he is happy, but he has only just emerged from a difficult period where he was anything but. His was a summer of setbacks: a dose of chickenpox, a spiral fracture of his finger and then a calf strain.
“It was a pretty annoying pre-season,” he said. “It was pretty unlucky.”
And then he had to publicly relive the death of his closest friend, Keith Titmuss, in the witness box during a coronial inquest in February. The coroner, having concluded that Titmuss probably died of exertional heatstroke, recommended a graduated 14-day return-to-training program for players.
“It was a hard time, but it was good for his family that they got all the questions they needed answered,” he said. “That was good, we can finally move on and, hopefully, it doesn’t happen to anyone moving forward.
“It has already started [to make a difference]. All the clubs at the beginning of pre-season have a two-week window to slowly ease into it. We had some meetings at Manly about heatstroke and what not; it’s definitely heading in the right direction.”
There has also been another, deeply personal issue that has weighed heavily on Schuster during the past two years. Only those closest to him truly understand the devastating impact it has had.
“I’ve been battling with some stuff over the past two years,” he said. “That was the main reason I was inconsistent in my performance. The last year I wasn’t really there mentally. I was battling with some stuff off the field that wasn’t making me happy going on the field.
“I’ve got it off my chest now, so I’m a lot better mentally. I’m a lot happier, mentally I’m in a better headspace. When I’m at my fittest and happiest, that’s when I start playing my best footy. If anything, I can’t wait to be back and prove to myself I can do it.”
There is no rush to do so. Several clubs have been in touch with Schuster’s manager in the hope that they can pick up a bargain before the June 30 transfer window. They will have to wait. “I’ll take the rest of the year off to get my body right, my mind right,” he said. “I’ll get ready for the pre-season, that’s pretty much it.”
Instead, the 23-year-old has been working out daily, a regime that often consists of two boxing sessions. The aim is to get his weight down for the next pre-season – “anything under 110kgwould be really good” – with a view to reigniting his career. He intends to do so as a half rather than the back-rower Manly had tried to convert him into.
“Definitely, that’s 100 per cent the plan: to come back as a five-eighth and nothing else,” he said. “The plan is to use this time so that when I head into pre-season I start well.”
Schuster grew up as the latest member of an already famous footballing family. Uncle John Schuster was an All Black who also played for the Newcastle Knights; uncle Peter was an Australian rugby sevens star; great uncle Fred represented New Zealand in union; and grandfather David, who he considers his father and even calls “Dad”, represented Samoa.
Schuster has fueled the expectation, adding bold predictions to a smattering of eye-catching early NRL performances.
I always believed that one day I would be the best player in the game,” Schuster said last May.
He is more circumspect now.
“I’m a confidence kind of guy, but I definitely could have worded that better,” Schuster said when reminded of those comments. “Moving forward, I’m just taking it day by day, bettering myself each day.
“I want to earn my teammates’ respect, putting my head down and working hard. That’s as simple as it gets. No Origin, nothing like that. I just want to earn my teammates’ trust and respect … that’s it.”
When Josh Schuster walked out of Manly headquarters for the last time in April, he left behind a seven-figure sum of money.
“I walked out of the building with a smile on my face; I’ve never been happier,” Schuster said. “It was a big weight off my shoulders. At the end of the day, we’re human. Hearing and seeing all the [criticism directed at me], it hurts you and your family.
After, I felt a big weight off my shoulders; a big relief, if anything. I know it’s a lot of money, but I don’t play footy for money. I play for the love of the game.
“When I’m happy, I play my best footy; I’m not really that fussed about the money side of it.”
Next season was meant to mark the first of a three-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Sea Eagles. With it came the expectation that Schuster would fulfil his undoubted potential, including the late, great Bob Fulton’s prediction that he would eventually replace Daly Cherry-Evans as Manly’s captain and chief playmaker.
Instead, the Samoan international finished his Brookvale stint in reserve grade this season and unable to add to his 50 NRL appearances. In a bid to cut their losses, the Sea Eagles provided a $1 million severance package to get him off the books.
It’s obviously sad, but I’m feeling excited for a fresh start,” Schuster said. “I’ve got nothing but love and respect for the boys there, all the coaching staff. I have no negativity towards them at all; I’ve got nothing but love.”
Schuster speaks about playing his best football when he is happy, but he has only just emerged from a difficult period where he was anything but. His was a summer of setbacks: a dose of chickenpox, a spiral fracture of his finger and then a calf strain.
“It was a pretty annoying pre-season,” he said. “It was pretty unlucky.”
And then he had to publicly relive the death of his closest friend, Keith Titmuss, in the witness box during a coronial inquest in February. The coroner, having concluded that Titmuss probably died of exertional heatstroke, recommended a graduated 14-day return-to-training program for players.
“It was a hard time, but it was good for his family that they got all the questions they needed answered,” he said. “That was good, we can finally move on and, hopefully, it doesn’t happen to anyone moving forward.
“It has already started [to make a difference]. All the clubs at the beginning of pre-season have a two-week window to slowly ease into it. We had some meetings at Manly about heatstroke and what not; it’s definitely heading in the right direction.”
There has also been another, deeply personal issue that has weighed heavily on Schuster during the past two years. Only those closest to him truly understand the devastating impact it has had.
“I’ve been battling with some stuff over the past two years,” he said. “That was the main reason I was inconsistent in my performance. The last year I wasn’t really there mentally. I was battling with some stuff off the field that wasn’t making me happy going on the field.
“I’ve got it off my chest now, so I’m a lot better mentally. I’m a lot happier, mentally I’m in a better headspace. When I’m at my fittest and happiest, that’s when I start playing my best footy. If anything, I can’t wait to be back and prove to myself I can do it.”
There is no rush to do so. Several clubs have been in touch with Schuster’s manager in the hope that they can pick up a bargain before the June 30 transfer window. They will have to wait. “I’ll take the rest of the year off to get my body right, my mind right,” he said. “I’ll get ready for the pre-season, that’s pretty much it.”
Instead, the 23-year-old has been working out daily, a regime that often consists of two boxing sessions. The aim is to get his weight down for the next pre-season – “anything under 110kgwould be really good” – with a view to reigniting his career. He intends to do so as a half rather than the back-rower Manly had tried to convert him into.
“Definitely, that’s 100 per cent the plan: to come back as a five-eighth and nothing else,” he said. “The plan is to use this time so that when I head into pre-season I start well.”
Schuster grew up as the latest member of an already famous footballing family. Uncle John Schuster was an All Black who also played for the Newcastle Knights; uncle Peter was an Australian rugby sevens star; great uncle Fred represented New Zealand in union; and grandfather David, who he considers his father and even calls “Dad”, represented Samoa.
Schuster has fueled the expectation, adding bold predictions to a smattering of eye-catching early NRL performances.
I always believed that one day I would be the best player in the game,” Schuster said last May.
He is more circumspect now.
“I’m a confidence kind of guy, but I definitely could have worded that better,” Schuster said when reminded of those comments. “Moving forward, I’m just taking it day by day, bettering myself each day.
“I want to earn my teammates’ respect, putting my head down and working hard. That’s as simple as it gets. No Origin, nothing like that. I just want to earn my teammates’ trust and respect … that’s it.”
What’s the Buzz: Josh Schuster on Manly exit, playing future, weight battle and losing $3.2m deal
Former Manly star Josh Schuster is back living with his parents in Liverpool on a $400 a week allowance. And it’s the happiest he’s been for a long time.Josh Schuster has opened up on having his $3 million NRL contract torn up by the Manly Sea Eagles and a two-year mental health battle that has put his footy career at risk.
In a shocking admission, he says: “Stepping away from the game has made me the happiest I’ve been for a long while.”
No pressure, no spotlight, no body shaming, no media abuse.
The 23-year-old, once regarded as rugby league’s next big thing, takes full responsibility for his sacking at Manly but insists he’ll be back next season with another NRL club.
DISAPPEARING ACT
The best 300 footballers in the NRL are in Brisbane this weekend for Magic Round.Schuster is at home in the back room of his parents’ home in Liverpool.
He’s on his own, watching all eight games, from kick-off to full time.
“I love Magic Round but, honestly, I’m not envious,” he says.
“It’s a great weekend for the clubs, players and fans but right now I’m loving the break.
Former Sea Eagle Josh Schuster is in a good space.
“There’s no pressure. I’m relaxed and I’m looking after myself.
“I miss footy every day but I need this time away and I know, long term, it’s best for me.
“I just feel as though there’s an enormous weight off my shoulders.”
$3.2M TO $400 A WEEK
Most young footballers would be filthy at blowing a $3.2 million opportunity over footy years.Schuster is not.
He insists: “Money has never been my motivation to play rugby league.”
He has already done well for himself and owns three investment properties in Newcastle, on the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
His mum has always looked after his money.
“She’s gives me $400 a week to live off,” Schuster says.
“Sometimes a bit more but the rest goes into savings or investments.
“Being happy beats having a lot of money anyway.”
It’s quite extraordinary what he says next and gives you an idea of the stress and anxiety he was experiencing.
“I was actually relieved when Manly sacked me,” he says.
“I love the game so much but getting away is the best thing that’s happened to me.”
THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Schuster has been dealing with deeply private and personal issues.It’s been a dark period so I decide not to go there for this interview.
At least he is now seeing a psychologist and getting it professionally attended to.
“It’s helping me a lot,” he says. “For the first time I have felt comfortable to open up a little bit and talk to my psychologist about it.
“It’s stuff I’ve been battling with for a long time that I’ve now been able to get off my chest and I’m feeling heaps better for it.
“It’s very important for my mind and it’s very important to sort out before I play again.”
WHY SCHUSTER WON’T PLAY AGAIN IN 2024
Schuster has abandoned plans to play again this year, despite some interest from clubs.He sent his agent, Mario Tartak, a text message last week, asking him to advise clubs he would not be available until next season.
“I’ve decided 2024 is now about getting my mind and body right,” Schuster says.
Schuster playing reserve grade for Blacktown.
“I’ll be ready and injury free in October for a full off-season.
“It’s important that I don’t rush this. I want to give this another crack but only when I’m in the best space to be able to perform to the best of my ability.”
THE FORAN HEART-TO-HEART
Two weeks ago, Kieran Foran was about to have lunch with his wife at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. By chance, they bumped into Schuster and Tartak at the shopping centre.“I said, ‘Let’s go and have a coffee’,” Foran said. “I just wanted to check on him because he’s a great young man and I like him a lot.
“And so we began chatting and I started sharing my story, which wasn’t too dissimilar to his.
“He didn’t really know that I’d walked away from rugby league at 25.
“That I was in a really bad way and tried to take my own life.
“I just wanted him to know it’s not the end of the road.
“I told him he’s got the world ahead of him but he’s gotta make a choice. He’s had challenges professionally and personally.
“But he’s a unique talent. He can come back and really make a fist of it if he really wants to.”
Kieran Foran had a chance catch up with Schuster.
SEA EAGLES’ EXIT & POSITIONAL CALL
Schuster in no way blames anyone at Brookvale for having his contract torn up.However, he does admit to being disappointed when the club first signed Luke Brooks in his position.
“To be honest, I wanted to play five-eighth,” he says.
“Seibs knew that but, at the same time, I knew where he was coming from.
“I hadn’t had a good year. I wasn’t consistent enough.
“Wherever I go next I want to be a five-eighth.”
He says the support from the players, including senior guys like Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic, has been overwhelming.
“Chez, Turbo and all the boys have reached out,” he said.
“They tell me to keep my head up and work hard.
“It’s really encouraging and it’s important because you can have doubts.
“Should I even be playing again? That sort of stuff.
“Also, I can’t speak highly enough of Seibs. He’s been honest and upfront all the way.
“This is my fault, no one else. I’ve got to own it without making excuses.”
He has also become close to impressive young horse trainer Will Freedman, who has become a mentor.
‘WAY TOO BIG’: THE WEIGHT ISSUE
Last year Schuster moved from Liverpool to Manly, right opposite several takeaway food shops.“I blew out to 123kg, way too big,” Schuster says.
“I love KFC. I love the wicked wings. Sometimes I’d go pretty much every day.
“There was all the personal stuff going on. To ease the pain, you eat the wrong stuff. I had junk food.
Schuster has already begin dropping weight.
“Some people struggling turn to drugs and alcohol. For me it was a crappy diet.”
Schuster is now back at home with mum, dad and four sisters.
I ask him when he last went to KFC.
“I don’t remember, maybe six weeks or a couple of months,” he says.
“Mum is cooking me healthy meals now. I’m down to 116kg, the goal is 106kg
“When you’re happier without the pressure you eat well. I’m starting to wake up happy every morning.”
ROAD BACK TO THE NRL
Trainer Huss El-Achrafi looks after a number of Manly’s NRL players, including Hamoale Olakau’atu, Jason Saab and Josh Aloiai. He has worked with Schuster since SG Ball junior reps.The Hoxton Park sessions with Schuster begin each day at 6am.
“Josh has been smashing his training,” El-Achrafi says. “He’s doing two or three sessions a day.
“We’re trying to drop his weight but build more muscle and power.
“At the moment he’s dropped six or seven kilos. It’s getting his eating habits right as well.
“It’s not a race or a rush. I want him to maintain it long term.”
This program is about getting his mind right as much as his fitness.
Schuster still loves rugby league, but is relishing the break.
“A lot of it was stress eating,” El-Achrafi said.
“People do it to comfort themselves after a bad day.
“Josh was getting a lot of head noise and just kept eating.
“You don’t know what was going on inside his head.
“This time away is very important. He’ll be ready to start an off-season in October, I can guarantee you that.”
AND FINALLY …
To sit down with this young man for coffee was quite an experience.You could almost see the relief in his face.
That he was getting this much-needed break from the pressure and demands of playing NRL football.
And that it will be beneficial in the long run.
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2020 Ladder
| Team | P | W | D | L | PD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulldogs | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 66 | 10 |
| 2 | Broncos | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 66 | 8 |
| 3 | Storm | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 62 | 8 |
| 4 | Warriors | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| 5 | Rabbitohs | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| 6 | Sea Eagles | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 6 |
| 7 | Raiders | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 6 |
| 8 | Titans | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -4 | 6 |
| 9 | Knights | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -24 | 6 |
| 10 | Sharks | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 15 | 4 |
| 11 | Tigers | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 4 |
| 12 | Dragons | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -4 | 4 |
| 13 | Cowboys | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -50 | 4 |
| 14 | Dolphins | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -10 | 2 |
| 15 | Panthers | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -20 | 2 |
| 16 | Roosters | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -62 | 2 |
| 17 | Eels | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -85 | 2 |
