Josh Schuster granted two weeks personal leave by Manly after club's brutal call
Manly has granted Josh Schuster personal leave after he was told he could negotiate with rivals.
The 22-year-old was selected to play for Blacktown in NSW Cup against the Warriors in New Zealand but did not board the plane there.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the out-of-favour utility has been granted two weeks of personal leave.
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Schuster is contracted until the end of 2027 on a $800,000-a-season deal but the Sea Eagles won't stand in his way if he finds a new club.
Josh Schuster is heading for the exit at Manly. Getty
According to the Herald, Schuster's leave will allow him to deal with personal matters and reflect on the fact he's no longer wanted by Manly.
Schuster's $2.4 million contract does not start with the Sea Eagles until 2025.
The Samoa representative lost his favoured five-eighth position to new recruit Luke Brooks while Ben Trbojevic has been selected ahead of him in the second row.
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Schuster has made four appearances for Blacktown this season, scoring one try, with the last three matches played at lock.
The writing was on the wall for Schuster at Manly when Reuben Garrick was ruled out this week and he wasn't selected in the 22-man squad.
Trbojevic has been shifted to centre with Corey Waddell at second row. Ethan Bullemor is on the bench.
