Wayne Bennett’s Josh Schuster lifeline confirmed after $1m Manly axing

Supercoach Wayne Bennett may have just landed his next player project after signing one of the NRL’s most maligned stars.

Wayne Bennett is wasting no time after returning to the South Sydney Rabbitohs with former Manly half Josh Schuster signing for the 2025 season.

After reportedly cutting a warpath through the Rabbitohs after a visit last week after a horrific season saw the side finish 16th, it was announced the former Manly star had joined the club for the 2025 season.

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Although only a one-year deal, Schuster is a young talent who, under the right circumstances, could become a genuine star in the NRL.

Earlier this year, the Sea Eagles axed the youngster, who was reportedly paid out close to $1m to leave the club.

Schuster was on an $800,000 a year, three-year deal with the Sea Eagles, having extended in 2023.

However, Schuster battled weigh and fitness issues, including catching chickenpox and suffering a broken finger and a calf injury in the pre-season.

This season, he played just four games of NSW Cup and didn’t add to his 50-game NRL tally before being cut loose by the club in April.

Josh Schuster playing for Blacktown Workers in the NSW Cup.

He then sat out the remainder of the season to get himself in the best physical and mental shape possible for a 2025 comeback season.

The deal was labelled “the worst deal ever done by a footy club” by Braith Anasta on NRL 360 earlier in the year.

But the Rabbitohs are confident Schuster’s best years are ahead of him.

“We think a comeback to the NRL with our club will be just what Josh needs to get his career back on track,” Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison said.

“We’re confident that he can use this second opportunity at NRL level, at a new club with new coaches, new teammates and renewed expectations, to resume his NRL career and achieve his and the team’s goals.

“We’re looking forward to Josh joining us for the 2025 pre-season as he gets ready for a new start next season in the red and green of South Sydney.”

While it may be a risk, if any coach is going to turn Schuster around, it’s Bennett.

Wayne Bennett isn’t messing around.

The incoming Souths coach reportedly sprayed the team after a horrendous season, including sitting down with Latrell Mitchell one-on-one to give him some home truths.

“Wayne didn’t f*** around … That’s how Wayne operates,” a source told News Corp.

Another said: “Wayne certainly spoke to the players. He was very direct. Has Wayne ever been less than direct?”

The playing group discussed the spray over the weekend that followed, with their commitment to the club coming under question.

Bennett is contracted to the Dolphins until October 31 but after being knocked out of the finals by losing their final round match against the Raiders, he’s had the time to turn his attention to his next job.

Bennett last coached the Rabbitohs in 2021, where the side lost the grand final to the Panthers.

In three seasons at the club, South Sydney didn’t finish any worse than making the preliminary final.