Josh Schuster's shock reveal over pay after huge Manly commitment
The Manly star has opened up about why he signed on with the club.
Josh Schuster has revealed he turned down big money offers elsewhere to stay at Manly after speaking to coach Anthony Seibold. There was speculation Schuster could be set to leave the club after Manly announced the signing of Tigers halfback Luke Brooks.
The halfback's arrival prompted questions around Schuster's future considering the youngster has been heavily criticised for his form in the halves this year. However, Manly announced Schuster was resigned on a reported three year deal worth $2.4 million.
SHOCK: Fittler's huge Blues boost as NSW boss slams Origin 'hysteria'
YIKES: Reece Walsh cops huge ban after star's all-time clanger
Schuster will most likely now move to the backrow next year with the arrival of Brooks. The announcement a day after the Brooks news surprised many, but Schuster has claimed he turned down bigger money offers from other clubs to stay at Manly.
“I know there will always be media speculation about what players are paid but the fact is I am staying here for less than I was offered elsewhere and less than my current deal which was due to expire in 2024,” he said.
“The reason is that I want to be a part of a successful Manly team going forward, and I have bought into what ‘Seibs’ is trying to do at the Club now and beyond. I think he is being inventive, and he has an obvious plan to forge a team that goes beyond just numbers on players‘ backs."
Seibold was full of praise for Schuster after committing to the club and his project. “Josh has shown his commitment to playing his best football in a Sea Eagles jersey by signing long term for our club on less financial terms than he could of got elsewhere and for less than his current contract,’’ Seibold said.
“I think this shows his commitment to his team-mates and club. His best football is in front of him and we look forward to developing Josh into a consistent, high performing NRL player.”
Luke Brooks signs huge deal with Manly
The 28-year-old Brooks recently turned down a two-year contract extension with the Tigers worth more than $1 million dollars - which would have represented a big downgrade on his current deal, worth around $1.15 million per season. Brooks had been linked to a number of other NRL clubs including the Cowboys and Bulldogs but it appears as though Manly have pounced to secure the player.
There is a sense from many in the NRL world that Brooks would benefit from playing alongside an experienced and classy general such as Daly Cherry-Evans, who would take the organisational burden off Brooks and allow him greater freedom to showcase his running game strengths
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
