LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Manly have shown Josh Schuster the door in an $800,000 shake-up for the NRL player who has fallen out of favour.
The talented young forward has been left out of the NRL action in 2024, prompting the Sea Eagles to give him the green light to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed the news, stating, "We have given him permission to find another club." Schuster's eye-catching $800,000 per season extension last year turned heads, especially after Manly signed Luke Brooks to take over at five-eighth, pushing Schuster to the second row.
Despite shining in the back row in 2021, Schuster struggled to make an impact after taking over from Kieran Foran at five-eighth following Foran's move to the Titans in 2023.
The 22-year-old found himself relegated to reserve grade in 2023 due to lacklustre performances before clawing his way back into the top-tier squad and securing his big-money extension.
Hopes were high for Schuster in 2024, but a bout of chickenpox followed by a spiral fracture in his finger during the preseason derailed his momentum.
Add a nagging calf strain to the mix, and Schuster was left out of Manly's season opener against South Sydney in Las Vegas.
Coach Seibold explained that the decision was made to prioritize Schuster's recovery and ensure he was fit to return for round two.