SEIBOLD SEIZES MOMENT: SCHUSTER RE-SIGNS WITH MANLY ON TWO-YEAR DEAL
Manly Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold has capitalised on a golden opportunity to bring back talented playmaker Josh Schuster, confirming today the 24-year-old has officially re-joined the club on a two-year contract — ending months in the rugby league wilderness.
The announcement comes after Schuster was spotted having coffee with Seibold last month, a meeting that sparked hope his NRL career might not be over following a disastrous spell at South Sydney. The former Samoan international had signed with the Rabbitohs prior to last season on a one-year deal but failed to make a single first-grade appearance, managing just five NSW Cup games before being let go by the club.
For weeks, Schuster remained in limbo despite his enormous potential, taking time away from the game and staying active on social media as he contemplated his future. However, as revealed by Nine’s Michael Chammas in a post on X, the meeting with Seibold — a long-time admirer of his talents — proved to be a turning point.
“I’m told Schuster is in a good place at the moment and wants to make something of his career,” Chammas wrote at the time. “Seibold has always been a fan of his, so will be interesting to see how this plays out.”
The 24-year-old first rose through Manly’s junior ranks, making his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles in 2020 at just 22 years old. During his initial spell at Brookvale Oval, he scored five tries in 50 games, showcasing the creativity and flair that made him one of the game’s most hyped young prospects. His ability to play multiple positions across the backline and in the halves made him a valuable asset for Manly before he departed for South Sydney last year.
Seibold’s decision to bring Schuster back has been hailed as a shrewd move, with the coach confident he can unlock the playmaker’s full potential and help him rediscover the form that made him a fan favourite at Manly. For Schuster, the return marks a crucial second chance to fulfil the promise he showed in his early NRL career, with the two-year deal giving him the stability to get his football journey back on track.
