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.
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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.
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.
DOG TREATS
Joey Manu’s long-term future remains clouded.
While there remains a solid chance Manu will return to the Sydney Roosters mid-season after a stint in Japanese rugby union, some are unsure he will remain at Bondi long-term.
While Kiwi-born Manu has publicly declared he has little interest in playing Super Rugby, Manu does harbour a passion to represent the All Blacks.
He and his family are also keen on travelling the world.
It’s uncertain whether Manu will end up at the Roosters for another extended contract.
Meanwhile a host of Roosters players were at Allianz Stadium on Friday night to watch former teammate Joseph Suaalii make his Waratahs debut.
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Former players James Graham and Darren Smith have been awarded life memberships at Canterbury’s football club AGM.
Graham has become a media star since his NRL retirement in 2020.
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Manly is heading towards a record attendance season with seats in the Jane Try Stand and Ken Arthurson Stand at Brookvale Oval already sold out for the entire season.
Around 80 per cent of all grandstand seating has been bought by fans for the entire 12 home games.
More than 15,000 memberships have already been sold with 21 per cent of those being new members.
The club will hold a fan day from 9am this Saturday at College Oval, St Augustine’s College, right across the road from 4 Pines Park.
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Stay tuned for another big name player to exit the NRL to play in this year’s Central Coast competition, joining former first graders Matt Moylan, Blake Austin and James Maloney.
This bloke has been in the headlines in recent years and is likely to pop up with The Entrance.
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A very well-known sportsman is being watched by authorities over his social habits. If spring acting improperly, it would be a massive story. And he’s not a rugby league player.
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Our thoughts are with former Manly, Wests Tigers and PM’s XIII media manager Wayne Cousins, who remains in hospital with some health issues.
‘Cuzzo’ has received get well messages from many in rugby league while enjoying visits from Manly coach Anthony Seibold and the much-loved Trbojevic brothers.
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The Swans’ game against Hawthorn on March 7 at the SCG is headed for a round one sellout. All the AFL big wigs from Melbourne are expected to fly to Sydney for the big game.
Tigers star set to be pushed out of club
Tigers forward David Klemmer has been one of their most consistent players in recent years but he may have played his last game for the club.
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