Schuster a chance for NRL call up as exiled stars create their own round of magic moments

Lachlan Ilias, Josh Schuster and Jackson Hastings were among the NRL stars missing from Magic Round in Brisbane, but their own moments of magic in reserve grade prove they are pushing to be recalled.

With all eyes on Magic Round, the NRL’s exiled stars have quietly produced some magic of their own over the weekend to prove they could be the answers to their struggling first grade sides.

Dumped NRL halves Jackson Hastings, Josh Schuster, Lachlan Ilias and Chad Townsend with winger Dominic Young dominated their NSW cup games on Sunday afternoon, none more than in the 26-24 thriller between Hastings’ Knights and Schuster’s Bunnies in favour of the Novocastrians.

Hastings kicked his side to victory with three try assists off the boot, including an impressive aerial bomb that fullback Conor Votano snatched away at the last moment from the waiting grasp of Matt French to level the score with less than 15 minutes to play.

WATCH: SEE HOW THE EXILED NRL GUNS FARED IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Hastings try.

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Schuster matched his opponent’s tempo with a solo try down before a cut-out pass put winger Haizyn Mellars over in the corner. Despite the narrow loss Schuster finished with a linebreak, two line break assists, two try assists and a four-pointer in just his second starting game.

At Lidcombe Oval dropped star Lachlan Ilias played with a point to prove as the Dragons smothered the Magpies 60-26, notching two tries and an assist to his name.

Townsend and Young also played their part in a comeback Roosters win over the Bulldogs. Young nabbed a try and two assists, including one to Townsend who also contributed two more assists.

In his best performance since coming back in Round 6 of the NSW Cup, Schuster dominated in his second start with a try, linebreak and two try assists. Picture: Instagram

Ilias could be back in the NRL this week should coach Shane Flanagan feel the need to recall him following his side’s tough loss to the Tigers in Suncorp.

While it’s tough to see Hastings come for Newcastle, the halfback is certainly proving his ability even if Adam O’Brien refuses to pick him.

Schuster on the other hand could see his performance rewarded given the Rabbitohs current lack of halves options and inexperience of Jayden Sullivan and Lewis Dodd, who has had a tough start to life in the NRL.

Schuster was released last year by Manly and found an NRL lifeline in Wayne Bennett and the Rabbitohs who have taken a chance on the youngster hoping to restart his NRL career.

Originally published as Schuster a chance for NRL call up as exiled stars create their own round of magic moments