NRL 2024: Manly star Josh Schuster out of Las Vegas fixture

Manly’s left-edge for their round 1 clash is set after a fresh training niggle forced Josh Schuster to withdraw from the season opener against South Sydney. See his intended NRL return date.

Manly’s $800,000 edge forward, Josh Schuster, has reluctantly pulled out of Manly’s NRL season opener against South Sydney in Las Vegas.

Schuster pulled up with calf soreness following a training session on Sunday.

It’s been a challenging off-season for Schuster, interrupted by chickenpox, finger surgery and an ongoing calf complaint.

Instead of racing the clock to be ready for the Sea Eagles’ March 3 clash against Souths, Coach Anthony Seibold has told Schuster to now concentrate on getting himself ready for the Round 2 match against the Sydney Roosters, which is still nearly a month away.

Despite his run of bad luck, Seibold has been impressed with Schuster’s commitment and is confident the 22-year-old will contribute significantly to Manly’s 2024 premiership campaign.

The loss of Schuster all but ensures back-rower Ben Trbojevic will win the race for Manly’s left-edge, where he has quickly built an impressive partnership with new five-eighth Luke Brooks.

That will give the Sea Eagles all three Trbojevics in their starting line-up with fullback Tom and lock Jake ready to resume their roles in Manly’s side for the historic match in Las Vegas.

NRL EARLY MAIL: Trials wreck havoc on round 1 teams

Schuster was a late withdrawal from the Sea Eagles’ 36-22 Pre-Season Challenge loss to the Sydney Roosters at Gosford on Saturday afternoon.

The Sea Eagles had planned on giving Schuster game time in this Saturday’s trial against Brisbane at 4 Pines Park, but he will now switch his focus to the March 17 regular-season match against the Roosters.

It shapes as a crucial season for Schuster, who is on a bumper four-year deal at the Sea Eagles, having shifted to the back row following the arrival of Brooks from the Tigers.