NRL 2023: Manly star Josh Schuster says he will soon be the best player in the game

Josh Schuster has copped it from all angles over his desire and work ethic – but he’s not shying away. Instead, the Manly star has a very bold plan. Can he achieve it?

Manly five-eighth Josh Schuster has boldly declared he will become the “best player in the game.”

And Schuster also revealed how he shut down social media for a month to escape public criticism and scrutiny.

The often-maligned Schuster, 22, rebounded from quad and calf injuries – and intense criticism – to star in Manly’s 42-14 win over Canberra last weekend.

Blessed with natural ability, yet questioned over his commitment, Schuster on Tuesday told of his grand individual plan to become the NRL’s premier player.

And it wasn’t just a slip of the tongue – Schuster repeated his personal goal three times in an eight-minute media interview.

“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,” he said.

Asked whether he was capable of reaching such a lofty ambition, Schuster said: “On yeah, 100 per cent. Since day one, I have always believed in myself and that one day I will be the best player in the game.

“In saying that, I still have a long way (to go) and lots of learning to do.

“I was at the crossroads of my career. I had to make a choice and a decision and I chose to take my training to the next level; prepare, recover and give myself every opportunity to play.

“I just know if I continue to work hard then one day I will be the best player in the game.”

Manly’s Josh Schuster says he will be the best player in the game one day. Picture: NRL photos.

Schuster has endured strong condemnation over his desire and work ethic, some of the most vocal assessment coming from his own skipper, Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans.

Kristie Fulton, the daughter of Immortal Bob Fulton, also said Schuster needed to “grow up”.

During his weight debate, loss of form, and injuries, Schuster decided to delete his Instagram and Facebook accounts to avoid trolls.

“The first thing I did was delete my social media for a month and a bit,” Schuster said. “I didn’t get to read much but I knew at that time that I needed to put my head down, work hard and it will pay off.

“At the end of the day we are human, we have feelings and emotions and it obviously hurts seeing that stuff. But their opinions don’t matter.

“Every time you read negative stuff, especially about yourself, it obviously hurts. But if you know you’re doing the work behind the scenes, you’re going to shut them up really quick.

“I try not to take it personally. I honestly don’t care what they say. It just motivates me more to play good footy. I’m in a good head space now.

Schuster has endured strong condemnation over his desire and work ethic. Picture: NRL photos

Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans didn’t miss in his appraisal of Schuster. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Schuster was ribbed about his weight before revealing on Tuesday he had shed a whopping 6.5kg to 7kg in just a month. While playing back-row last season, Schuster blew out to 115kg.

“Look, I’m not going to stand here and talk about how hard I have worked over the last month but it was hard work to get my body right and get myself right, physically and mentally,” he said.

The win over Canberra was Schuster’s fourth match this season and first since round eight. He finished with a try, three try assists and three line break assists.

“I’ve been dying on the sidelines,” Schuster said. “I think ‘Seibs’ (coach Anthony Seibold) said earlier in the week that hard work pays off. It’s only my first game (back) but I’m looking to play every game from now until the end of the season.”

Asked about his relationship with Cherry-Evans. Schuster said: “If I’m being honest, Daly is probably the best bloke I have ever met in my life. He’s the best captain I’ve ever had, the best teammate I’ve ever had. He has a genuine care for me.”

Schuster’s already handsome wage will increase to $800,000 for the 2024 season.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Manly star Josh Schuster says he will soon be the best player in the game