South Sydney believe they can turn Josh Schuster's career around, handing the former Manly prodigy a one-year deal for 2025.
The Rabbitohs confirmed on Wednesday that Schuster will join the club under Wayne Bennett, five months after the playmaker was cut free by Manly.
One of the most talented prospects at the Sea Eagles for years, Schuster has battled fitness concerns since his debut for the club in 2020.
That eventually ended with his $2.4 million three-year contract at Manly being aborted before it had even begun, with the 23-year-old cut loose.
Handed a severance package by Manly, Schuster has since trained away from the NRL spotlight.
But he will now return at the Rabbitohs, who believe they can get the best out of the Samoan representative.
“We think a comeback to the NRL with our club will be just what Josh needs to get his career back on track,” South Sydney's head of football Mark Ellison said.
“We’re confident that he can use this second opportunity at NRL level, at a new club with new coaches, new teammates and renewed expectations, to resume his NRL career and achieve his and the team’s goals.
“We’re looking forward to Josh joining us for the 2025 pre-season as he gets ready for a new start next season in the red and green of South Sydney.”
Schuster has previously said he wants to return as a playmaker in the NRL, after playing back row for Manly in 2021 and being shifted there again this year.
He did not add to his 50 NRL appearances this year, instead spending the opening month of the season in reserve grade before his exit from Manly.
