Forgotten NRL prodigy Josh Schuster will finally make his South Sydney debut this weekend in NSW Cup after overcoming a calf issues and mental demons.
And with a solid performance on Sunday, the former Manly star could be set for a return to first grade as soon as next week.
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Schuster was handed a one-year deal at Souths before the 2025 season but has been hampered by a calf injury, delaying his debut for his new club.
But he has been cleared to finally make his comeback and will line up against the North Sydney Bears on Sunday, despite initially not being named in the side.
Bennett took a gamble on bringing Schuster in, with many feeling he simply didn’t have the desire and commitment to make it in the NRL.
The 23-year-old was once seen as one of the most exciting talents before a disastrous 2024 campaign at Manly saw him on the outer.
Manly eventually parted ways with the utility and while there were doubts on whether another NRL club would take the chance on him, Bennett took the gamble and it could be a masterstroke.
Injuries to Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys sees Latrell Mitchell and Jayden Sullivan line up in the halves for this weekend’s match against the Cowboys.
But if Schuster puts in a solid showing in NSW Cup, Bennett may take a chance and bring him into first grade as soon as next week, allowing Mitchell to move back out to centre.
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And according to Schuster’s manager, Mario Tartak, once he gets a few games under his belt he will quickly get back to his best.
“Josh is ready to go and when he gets a few games under his belt there will be no stopping him,” his agent Mario Tartak told Wide World of Sports.
“He has trimmed down, lost some weight and is primed to play footy again.
“It’s been a tough time for him since he left Manly, but Souths and Wayne Bennett have been great to him. Wayne has had a real influence on Josh and I think we will all see just how much in coming weeks.”
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