Wayne Bennett is considering throwing a lifeline to Josh Schuster at South Sydney next season.
Schuster has been in limbo after accepting a $1 million severance package to come off Manly’s books earlier this season.
After parting company with the Sea Eagles in April, the 23-year-old opted to take the rest of the season off to get himself into the best possible mental and physical shape to make a comeback in the NRL.
That could come at the Rabbitohs, with sources not authorised to comment publicly telling this masthead that Bennett is open to the move. Schuster’s manager met with Rabbitohs officials during the week to discuss a potential deal.
Bennett has a long history of reigniting the careers of players - including Tevita Pangai Jnr, Benji Marshall, Anthony Milford and Tonie Carroll - when most other coaches felt they had little more to offer.
Pangai was tipped to follow Bennett from the Dolphins to Souths, but will instead link with French Super League club Catalans. That development has led the veteran mentor - who alongside Jack Gibson will become the first coach to be inducted into the NRL’s Hall of Fame - to instead consider Schuster as the X-factor for his Rabbitohs roster in 2025.
Josh Schuster could be heading to South Sydney.Credit: NRL Photos
In order for the move to happen, the Rabbitohs will need to free up salary cap space. Several players coming off contract - including Michael Chee Kam, Taane Milne, Tom Burgess - will be leaving at season’s end, although the contracted Lachlan Ilias may also need to shift in order for a Schuster offer to transpire.
Schuster has shown glimpses of his potential, although injuries and off-field issues have restricted him to just 50 first-grade appearances. In an interview with this masthead in May, Schuster said he was in a good headspace after dealing with off-field issues and a luckless run with injury.
“I’ve got it off my chest now, so I’m a lot better mentally,” Schuster said at the time.
“I’m a lot happier, mentally I’m in a better headspace. When I’m at my fittest and happiest, that’s when I start playing my best footy. If anything, I can’t wait to be back and prove to myself I can do it.”
Schuster has previously stated his intention to become the best player in the game, but was more circumspect in his last interview.
“I want to earn my teammates’ respect, putting my head down and working hard,” he said.
“That’s as simple as it gets. No Origin, nothing like that. I just want to earn my teammates’ trust and respect.”
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