Manly are still contributing to Schusters RL earnings at 200k a season for the next 3 seasons, on top of what Souths are paying him, which I think is pretty minimal, I guess that's something to be happy about. But he's a bright guy, he'll find something outside of the game if this season's his last.
The No-Look News (Schuster Chronicles)
- Thread starter The better Robbo
- Start date
Yeah I'm not stressed about that.
Not ideal but better than the 600-800k we would have been on the hook for.
I mean obviously it was a bad contract to begin with but what is done is done.
It’s a shame he has plenty of talent. I thought the year he played second row for us under Des he was great.
"Josh Schuster is desperately trying to find a love for rugby league – but those close to him fear the necessary passion may be forever absent."Bulldog’s Bite: Questions over Josh Schuster’s NRL future amid rumblings of unrest at South Sydney Rabbitohs
Josh Schuster is a prodigious player with rare gifted skills, but amid rumblings of unrest at South Sydney, the question is raised as to whether he still loves rugby league, or if he’ll walk away. DEAN RITCHIE writes.
Josh Schuster is desperately trying to find a love for rugby league – but those close to him fear the necessary passion may be forever absent.
There are rumblings around town that Schuster hasn’t settled at his new club, South Sydney.
Sure, he’s turning up to training and attempting to show enthusiasm – but friends worry the truth is being masked.
Does he really want to play top-level rugby league? Will he walk away from the game?
I’m told Schuster still cannot commit internally to his future in the NRL, despite being mentored by legendary Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett.
Associates of Schuster are constantly reminding him about the handsome earning capacity he has in rugby league but some are uncertain he wants to play rugby league.
To be fair, not everyone wants to be a professional sportsperson.
There are rumblings that Josh Schuster hasn’t settled at South Sydney.
Schuster was overlooked for South Sydney’s pre-season match against Manly last weekend and was omitted for the St George Illawarra trial in Mudgee this Saturday.
He is 100 to 1 to play round one against the Dolphins. Schuster has been carrying a few niggling injuries.
Schuster is a prodigious talent; a player with rare gifted skills, a young bloke born to play football.
But his attitude and commitment have been questioned now for the past four years.
Souths are aware of the situation but remain optimistic Schuster still has a future in rugby league.
Some fear Schuster has a belief money is easily earned. It’s not. One source said: “Josh thinks there’s a money tree.”
Manly released Schuster from the final three seasons of his contract at Brookvale in April last year. He was earning $800,000 a season and played just four NSW Cup games last year.
Schuster last played first grade in August, 2023.
He took some time away from the game after his Manly exit before being offered a one-year contract with Souths last September.
Many at Souths have tried to rally and encourage Schuster but there is a private feeling his mind is elsewhere. You can’t force a 23-year-old to love a sport.
Schuster has been dogged by family issues no kid should have to endure.
We won’t detail them but, suffice to say, Schuster has been suffering during an extremely challenging period in his life.
I actually feel for him.
Whether Schuster approaches rugby league with an all-in attitude depends on the persuasiveness of those close to him.
It is a perceived lack of maturity that is holding back Schuster.
Bennett is doing his best and we hope Schuster is listening and absorbing the super coach’s sage words.
The Rabbitohs coach has 29 other players in his top NRL squad and doesn’t have the time or resources to dwell on one player for too long.
In May, 2023, Schuster told The Daily Telegraph: “When I reach my potential, I know what I’m capable of. I don’t want to say too much but I believe one day I can be the best player in the game.”
Many around Schuster believe this to be true if it came down to raw ability. But being the best takes a lot more – attitude, drive and commitment.
Remember the day Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans felt compelled to take a swipe at Schuster?
I have been playing long enough to see so many people at this club not maximise their opportunity,” Cherry-Evans said.
“That is rugby league mate – if you’re not willing to work hard enough, if you’re not willing to sacrifice, you just don’t last long.”
I hope Schuster succeeds this season but success is only secured through attitude and dedication.
Schuster is actually a likeable young man but my fears for him are genuine.
No-one can force Schuster to be smitten with rugby league. I just hope he realises the social and financial benefits of playing NRL before it’s too late.
Ritchie deciding to write romance novels given his sports writing career has been a write-off?
The Who
Journey Man
Wasn't The Shoe on 'Manly At First Sight'?
Ryan
Journey Man
Forget money, salary caps, teams - the guy is obviously reaching and calling out for his mental health - AND THAT ALWAYS COMES FIRST !! Is everyone blind here? Who CARES about Rugby League. Is there any way as a community we can get him some help? Guys, who can I contact at Manly who is a well-being staff member? @The Wheel ?
I don't care that he's at another club. Let's step up for him as a community.
I don't care that he's at another club. Let's step up for him as a community.
Not sure these days Ryan - out of loop now. Try calling the club, membership team might be able to help
manly al
First Grader
Gets a little technical but guess Manly would still be obliged to that pay out arrangement to the Shu even if he does opt out of his current Souths deal or does not comply with it and with him being a free agent when he did leave Manly
N R L would presumably or ideally have some overarching responsibility for general player welfare apart from South "s .surely required obligation.
Sure that there would also be some connections at Manly who would be genuinely concerned with his well being .
Hard to say how his footy attitude and readiness to compete at a required standard , let alone fitness level is being adversely affected one way or another [ and not to take into account injury factors ] but his personal welfare has to get highest priority without a doubt
N R L would presumably or ideally have some overarching responsibility for general player welfare apart from South "s .surely required obligation.
Sure that there would also be some connections at Manly who would be genuinely concerned with his well being .
Hard to say how his footy attitude and readiness to compete at a required standard , let alone fitness level is being adversely affected one way or another [ and not to take into account injury factors ] but his personal welfare has to get highest priority without a doubt
sheridanstand78
First Grader
The boy is damaged. He needs support and I am not sure he is getting it.
Prodigious talent who has not been able to maintain the fitness needed to excel at the top. I cannot remember the last time I saw him smile on the field and his last 3 years at Manly were so poor. The boy is a free spirit and he needs an environment where he can play his game.
I fear its over for him.
Prodigious talent who has not been able to maintain the fitness needed to excel at the top. I cannot remember the last time I saw him smile on the field and his last 3 years at Manly were so poor. The boy is a free spirit and he needs an environment where he can play his game.
I fear its over for him.
Some similar comment was in an article last year, again without any specifics but nor should there be, because people have a right to privacy.
Meanwhile the story of a guy who is not living up to his immense potential is a great story so 'Bulldog' and all the others will keep writing it and keep dropping in their little secret hints at his family issues, all of which only serves to fuel speculation. Low grade journalism, no shock there.
Leave Britney alone.
Ron E. Gibbs
First Grader
Can she play at dummy half?
mosto
I have a well known member
His first priority should be his mental health and doing whatever it takes to get him happy within himself. If he can get into a good head space, and wants to continue with professional sport at some level, I think he would make an excellent #12 in Rugby. Starting off in the relatively low profile Schute Shield I think he could develop into a Super Rugby calibre 12. Would love to see down the track him straightening the attack then hitting the likes of Sua'ali'i or Tom Wright sweeping around the back with a no look pass.
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