The Sea Eagles are under pressure to figure out young star Josh Schuster’s position in the squad, with reports his management is unhappy over “false promises made to him”.
Nine rugby league reporter Danny Weidler revealed on 100% Footy on Monday night that Schuster’s management recently put the Sea Eagles on notice regarding his position in the team.
Schuster, who came through the ranks as a five-eighth, last season slotted in as a ball-playing forward as part of Manly’s lethal left edge combination alongside reigning Dally M Medal winner Tom Trbojevic.
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His shift to the back-row was due to coach Des Hasler’s decision to hand veteran Kieran Foran the five-eighth jumper after the 2011 Manly premiership winner returned to the club at the beginning of last year following stints with the Eels, Warriors and Bulldogs.
“Recently, Stephen Humphreys the CEO of Manly, who left the club – he had negotiations last contract with Josh Schuster about Schuster playing five-eighth for the Sea Eagles,” Weidler revealed.
“There was a promise made that’s where he would be playing. His family was told the same thing.
“An email has now gone in from Schuster’s management company to the Manly management, who are now in charge, reminding them that he was going to play five-eighth.
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“This is interesting because Kieran Foran is off contract and wants to keep playing with Manly. The Schusters are adamant that he should be playing five-eighth for Manly.
“In effect, Manly has been put on notice regarding Schuster and false promises made to him and his family.
“I’m not saying Schuster himself is kicking up a stink about this – his management has put Manly on notice reminding them of what went on.
“This could be some agitating towards either getting Schuster out of the club or putting pressure on the Foran re-signing… potentially moving him to hooker where it was mooted he would play.”
That revelation prompted Paul Gallen to ask whether it was Humphreys or Des Hasler who was making decisions about who played where in the Sea Eagles’ line-up.
Weidler replied that Hasler had been involved in the talks.
“I think everybody was in on the chat… you don’t want to lose Schuster if he’s unhappy, or if his management is unhappy.”
Schuster last year signed a contract extension to remain with Manly until 2024.
The 20-year-old is yet to play this season after suffering an ankle injury during pre-season training.
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