Josh Schuster footage that will shock NRL fans amid dramas at Manly

This is the video proof Manly's Josh Schuster is dead serious about making the vacant No.6 jersey his own next year.

Yahoo Sport Australia has obtained footage of Schuster running a punishing 8km course at Long Reef golf course on Sydney's northern beaches.

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The trek is all uphill and a well-known torture test for athletes from a variety of sports.

Schuster, joined by other promising Manly youngsters Zac Fulton, Samuela Fainu, Viliami Fifita and Gordon Chan Kum Tong, completes the run three times a week in addition to regular weights sessions.

He has also reworked his diet, cutting back on fast food and meal sizes to further streamline his chassis.

Schuster played at 117kg last year and was told he needed to shed up to 10 kilos if he was to be seriously considered as Kieran Foran's replacement at five-eighth.

The promising youngster gave up a place in Samoa's World Cup squad to stay at home and work on his fitness.

Working under Manly's Head of Performance Don Singe, the 21-year-old has hardly had a day off.

Singe's voice can be heard on the video, touching on the turbulent times at Manly while encouraging Schuster and backing him to keep striving to meet his end goal.

The dedicated Singe, who continues to work with the players despite the uncertainty over the Sea Eagles' coaching structure for 2023, is impressed with what he sees.

"Josh has made a choice to prepare himself for the workload of training for season 2023," he said.

"He knows the physical dynamic is different as a half so he has chosen to work in his off-season to prepare him for his skill-based pre-season.

"He is going great, as are all the other boys."

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Asked how much weight Schuster had lost, Singe said: "We've not put him on the scales yet but let's just say he's down from 115kg and headed in the right direction.

"He is showing a lot of dedication, as are all the other boys.

"If you put the effort in you will be rewarded."

Schuster's dedication to the cause will delight incoming coach Anthony Seibold, who is expected to be officially announced as Des Hasler's replacement in coming days.

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