Josh Schuster recently opened up for the first time since his release from the South Sydney Rabbitohs after last season, revealing his aspiration to return to rugby league.
In his appearance on James Graham's The Bye Round Podcast in May, Schuster candidly addressed his mental health challenges, the pressures of playing in the NRL, the circumstances that led him to step away from the sport, and his activities since then.
"I wasn't mentally right and wasn't in a good place. If your life is not good outside of footy, then it doesn't work out on the field," he shared.
He added, "One of the factors [to return to the NRL] is to prove it to myself. The last couple of years, I was doing it for other people, trying to make other people happy, and putting other people before me."
"I can honestly say this is the happiest I've been in my own life, and just having a purpose in my life," Schuster reflected.
His advisor, Mario Tartak, mentioned to Nine.com.au the positive effect the podcast had on how clubs perceive the former Manly Sea Eagles back rower and five-eighth.
"People in club-land saw his confidence and commitment, and it looks like he may get a contract before June 30," Tartak commented.
Moreover, Tartak disclosed that Schuster was not initially scheduled to appear on the podcast.
"At first, when James reached out and asked to do the podcast, we said 'no,'" he revealed.