‘It is not about money…’ “I felt a weight off my shoulders”: Schuster speaks up about Manly’s leaving
Josh Schuster walked out of Manly headquarters for the last time in April, leaving behind a seven-figure sum of money.
“I walked out of the building with a smile on my face; I’ve never been happier,” Schuster stated. “It took a huge weight off my shoulders. At the end of the day, we are human. Hearing and witnessing all of the [criticism directed at me] is hurtful to you and your family.
After that, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders; a sense of release, if you will. I understand it’s a lot of money, but I don’t play football for money. I play for the love of the game.
“When I’m happy, I play my best footy; I’m not really that fussed about the money side of it.”
Next season was supposed to be the start of a three-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Sea Eagles. With it came the expectation that Schuster would realise his undeniable potential, including the late, great Bob Fulton’s prediction that he would eventually succeed Daly Cherry-Evans as Manly’s captain and key playmaker.
Instead, the Samoan international completed his Brookvale spell in reserve grade this season, unable to add to his 50 NRL matches. In an effort to reduce their losses, the Sea Eagles offered him a $1 million severance payment.
“It’s obviously sad, but I’m feeling excited for a fresh start,” Schuster stated. “I have nothing but love and respect for the boys and the entire coaching staff.” I have no negative feelings towards them; all I have is love.”
Schuster claims to play his best football when he is happy, but he has only recently recovered from a terrible spell in which he was everything but. His summer was filled with difficulties, including chickenpox, a spiral fracture of his finger, and a calf injury.
“It was a pretty annoying pre-season,” he stated. “It was pretty unlucky.”
He subsequently had to publicly relive the death of his best friend, Keith Titmuss, in the witness box during a coroner’s inquest in February. After concluding that Titmuss most likely died of exertional heatstroke, the coroner suggested a 14-day phased return-to-training programme for players.
