Josh Schuster handed shock NRL career lifeline by Benji Marshall’s Tigers
Josh Schuster has been handed the opportunity to resurrect his career by Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall after a heartfelt meeting between the pair earlier this week.Josh Schuster has been handed the opportunity to resurrect his career by Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall after a heartfelt meeting between the pair earlier this week.
Schuster, once regarded as one of the most promising young players in the game, has been out of the NRL since parting ways with South Sydney last year – he took an indefinite break for mental health reasons.
However, Marshall sat down with Schuster this week at the request of Tigers second-rower Samuela Fainu and heard enough to convince him to give the 25-year-old the chance to play rugby league again.
Schuster will initially join the Tigers on a NSW Cup deal and train with the NRL side once a week. Anything more will need to be earned.
For the Tigers and Marshall, it is a no-brainer. It won’t hurt their salary cap and if Schuster can turn his life around, the Tigers have a rare talent on their hands – a player who was once so highly regarded Manly signed him to a deal worth in excess of $2 million.
Josh Schuster is set for a return to the NRL. Picture: Instagram
“He said I want to come and have an opportunity with you guys,” Marshall said.
“I don’t want any money. I don’t need an NRL contract. I’m happy to play NSW Cup. It’s not about the money. It’s about the opportunity to get my life back on track and play footy again.
“He’s got to train with the NSW Cup side. He will train with us one day a week, and if we can help him turn his life around, then why not?
“The only risk is him letting himself down again, which is up to him. The ball is in his court. He seemed very genuine about that.”
Schuster played 50 games for Manly before being released in 2024 and landing at South Sydney, where he started the 2025 season before leaving.
His rugby league career has been in limbo since, although in an interview with The Bye Round podcast earlier this year he spoke about regaining his motivation and pushing for a rugby league return.
He now has good friend Samuela Fainu and Benji Marshall to thank for receiving that opportunity.
Marshall will welcome the former young star to the Tigers. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
As well as speaking to Schuster, it is understood Marshall sounded out Souths officials before pushing ahead with the decision and was told that they had no issue with Schuster’s character.
If there has been an issue with Schuster it has been with his hunger and desire. Marshall and the Tigers are confident that will not be a problem because the 25-year-old is basically on his last chance.
While he is still being paid by Manly, opportunities to revive his career are running out. The Tigers are the last throw of the dice and Marshall believes in the right environment, surrounded by some of his closest mates, Schuster can regain his hunger and desire.
“When you’re desperate, you’re hanging by a thread and it’s all on the line, you’re going to show desperation,” Marshall said.
“I feel like our club can help him. It’s not all about returning to NRL, it’s just to get his life on track again.
“He’s 97kg and he’s been working hard. So we’re going to give him an opportunity.”
