Manly’s signing spree has continued with Josh Schuster inking a new three-year extension that will keep him at the club until 2027, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The gun youngster signed last night, mere hours after it was announced that Luke Brooks would be arriving at the club in 2024 to take over his number 6 jumper.
There had been speculation that the Samoa international could be tempted to go the opposite way, with strong links to former Sea Eagles recruitment head Scott Fulton, who is now at the Wests Tigers.
But, with this signing, it appears that Schuster is content to stay at Manly, where he has been since the age of 14, and revert to his previous role as a backrower to allow Brooks to play in the halves.
The news adds series weight to Manly’s case as one of the frontrunners for 2024, even given the issues that they have faced in 2023.
With Schuster and Haumole Olakau’atu in the back row, Brooks and talisman Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves and a fit Tom Trbojevic at the back, the Sea Eagles could be a powerful outfit under coach Anthony Seibold.
The extension comes the day after Tolu Koula also added multiple years to his contract at Brookvale, cementing his spot in the centres for the foreseeable future, and after the addition of Tommy Talau and Jaxson Paulo to a now-stacked backline that also includes Reuben Garrick, Jason Saab and Christian Tuipulotu.
Speaking on Monday night before the contract was announced, Seibold admitted that the news of Brooks arrival might be seen as a take-it-or-leave-it on Schuster’s desire to play in the halves.
“Well, mate, he’s got a year to go on his contract and have offered him a three-year extension,” said the coach on Nine News.
“Every indication from him to us is that he loves the club and wants to stay. That’s all I can say.”
On the evidence of today, Schuster seems happy to take it.
ScouseinOz
Roar Rookie
There is a massive assumption that Schuster is playing back row BTW. I have a feeling that Manly might see Luke Brooks as playing the Dylan Walker utility role from the bench that he now does at the Warriors. Plus there are always injuries to squads.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
All the ex Manly players, coaches and administrators have moved to the Gold coast -mainly to retire. Including Des! They old guard have evacuated the Northern Beaches!
Badseed
Roar Rookie
Hopefully he doesn’t honour the contract and moves on to rugby Union or Easts
Badseed
Roar Rookie
Could Turbo be be related to Mark Gasnier?
Badseed
Roar Rookie
Now that Manly have rid themselves of any trace of Fulton they have become just another barnacle on the sinking 9/Fox gambling ship. They are no longer feared and hated but laughed at. After 50 years of my support they are becoming a memory to share with the grandkids. They don’t need a bunch of spivs trying to turn them into Easts but a transfusion of Manly blood.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Seibold signs an unwanted, gifted, unfit and often disinterested back rower for $800K x 3 years. Exact mirror of when he signed TPJ for the same money and term at the Broncos Masterstroke. I am sure the other 16 clubs will be devastated hearing that news today!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
The conga line started with Sharon...
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I’m starting to fear the worst for Tom. He is an outstanding player and character but the question remains over his longevity. The biggest worry is that the injuries aren’t just related to one area but seemingly everywhere. One positive for Manly is that they at leadt have uncovered and developed a solud replacement in Garrick
Tom G
Roar Rookie
They just picked up Fainu.. he is going to be great. Bad loss to Manly.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Cartwright was very similar to Schuster, when he was at Penrith. Big, could play in the halves , also forwards. Talented ball player. ( Better ball player & faster than Schuster :thumbup: ). Then Got himself into some trouble & disappeared to the Gold Coast. Came back as just a second rower to Parramatta. Now has started to again pass the ball & tackles better. I wonder how much Schuster’s football career will mirror that of Cartwright?
Tez
Roar Rookie
Lol Schuster ???? Why wouldn't he stay when no other club will pay him $800K?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
He's definitely a concern. Huge dollars for little time on the park. And it's no just his hammies. But shoulders, pecs, hips. Such a shame as he's the ultimate professional, doesn't cut corners. But it can't just be put down to bad luck. Selfishly I'd love for him to retire from rep footy. Focus on Manly. Play a full season for Manly, and then maybe the following year he can put his hand up for higher honours again. At present he has missed close to 2 full seasons through injury over the last 5 years.
IGOR11
Roar Rookie
Getting things done?…bringing in second rate players that no one else wants?…yep…that’ll get the wooden spoon done…
IGOR11
Roar Rookie
????????????…great SOH Mr Editor…”front runners in 2024”…that’s hilarious…I’m a Manly supporter since 1976 and these new signings…the players coming in…are akin to the good ol’ Northern Eagles days…signing second rate players unwanted by their own clubs…brooks could of been a very good player if he was under a decent coach eg Hasler, but will go knowhere under Seibold…ie…stay average…Talau…where do I start…can’t tackle if his life depended on it and Jaxon…not sure exactly top shelf…not even middle shelf…shows just what this famous club has become…a laughing stock…
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I reckon the big discussion that needs to happen on the northern beaches is regarding Tommy turbo and his longevity or lack thereof. Is it possible to have casual employees in the NRL, you know just pay them for their hours worked, no penalty rates, sick pay or holidays, just day labour rates. It's a damn shame to see a man of his ability be continually be struck down by injury but he's almost unemployable, would any other club take a punt on him?
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Woods obviously got into Seibolds ear. :laughing:
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Not a surprise to read multiple derogatory comments about Schuster. That's the world we live in. But I'm more than happy to lock the talented Schuster up for another 3 years. He just turned 22 last month, still has plenty to learn but has skills that few possess. Underplaying his hand is key. He's a bigger body that can be lethal on the left edge. For his sake I wanted to see him succeed as a 6, but at times he tried too hard. He can excel as an edge backrower, keeping it simple, creating space for his outside men. Go well.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I see they have invested in a quiver full of cattle prods as well ! :silly:
Badseed
Roar Rookie
Manly have gone mad. They couldn’t shift the bum even paying half his salary so they screw the club for another 3 years.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Getting thin on the ground now for Halves - maybe Benji can put his hand up for Captain/ Coach