‘No stopping him’: Josh Schuster’s Rabbitohs debut locked in amid warning to NRL rivals

Josh Schuster will finally make his Rabbitohs debut this weekend and the NRL world has been put on notice with a scary declaration.

Forgotten NRL prodigy Josh Schuster will finally make his South Sydney debut this weekend after overcoming a calf issues and mental demons.

And with a solid performance on Sunday, the former Manly star could be set for a return to first grade as soon as next week.

FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

Schuster was handed a one-year deal at Souths before the 2025 season but has been hampered by a calf injury, delaying his debut for his new club.

But he has been cleared to finally make his comeback and will line up in the NSW Cup against the North Sydney Bears on Sunday, despite initially not being named in the side.

Josh Schuster will make his Rabbitohs debut this weekend. Image: Getty

Bennett took a gamble on bringing Schuster in, with many feeling he simply didn’t have the desire and commitment to make it in the NRL.

The 23-year-old was once seen as one of the most exciting talents before a disastrous 2024 campaign at Manly saw him on the outer.

He struggled for game time and when he got out onto the park, looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there.

Manly eventually parted ways with the utility and while there were doubts on whether another NRL club would take the chance on him, Bennett took the gamble and it could be a masterstroke.

Injuries to Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys sees Latrell Mitchell and Jayden Sullivan line up in the halves for this weekend’s match against the Cowboys.

However, such is their injury woes, back-rower Euan Aitken will play in the centres, with Mitchell having to move to the halves.

But if Schuster puts in a solid showing in NSW Cup, Bennett may take a chance and bring him into first grade as soon as next week, allowing Mitchell to move back out to centre.

DJosh Schuster has overcome a calf complaint. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

And according to Schuster’s manager, Mario Tartak, once he gets a few games under his belt he will quickly get back to his best.

“Josh is ready to go and when he gets a few games under his belt there will be no stopping him,” his agent Mario Tartak told Wide World of Sports.

“He has trimmed down, lost some weight and is primed to play footy again.

“It’s been a tough time for him since he left Manly, but Souths and Wayne Bennett have been great to him. Wayne has had a real influence on Josh and I think we will all see just how much in coming weeks.”

Originally published as ‘No stopping him’: Josh Schuster’s Rabbitohs debut locked in amid warning to NRL rivals