Schuster’s path back receives boost with surprise deal
Josh Schuster’s path back to the NRL has received a major boost, with the former Manly utility signing a reserve grade contract with the Wests Tigers.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played first grade since leaving the Sea Eagles two years ago, but revealed earlier this year that he wanted to be back in the game.
Josh Schuster in action during his Manly days. Getty
He has now signed with the Tigers’ NSW Cup outfit for the rest of the season, with no guarantee of a top 30 contract at this stage.
The club confirmed the news via social media on Thursday night.
Schuster has undergone an incredible transformation, losing approximately 33kg in his bid to get back to the sport he appeared destined for stardom in.
“I’m training so hard to get ready for a pre-season opportunity. My goal is to get back into the NRL for next year,” the Samoan international told The Bye Round Podcast during an interview in early-May.
“I’m so keen to get back and prove I can do it.
“I’ve done a lot of self reflection, a lot of character building the last few months and just realising how good I had it. Coming straight from high school into the NRL system and having everything thrown at me and not knowing anything else … I was too comfortable from the moment I made my first grade debut.
“It went downhill. Everything started to fall down … I definitely lost myself.”
Schuster was on a lucrative contract at Manly worth $800,000 per season, but left the club prematurely before joining South Sydney last year.
He played a handful of NSW Cup games in the red and green before leaving the club to take a break from rugby league.
