Manly Sea Eagles five-eighth Josh Schuster is set to sign a three-year extension worth a reported $2.4 million to remain at the club over three years.
As the Sydney Morning Herald reports, Schuster informed the club late Monday night regarding his decision.
The news comes one day after the club signed Luke Brooks from the Wests Tigers on a four-year deal beginning in 2024.
With both now at Manly for at least the next three seasons, it is likely Schuster will move into the back row while Brooks will partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
However, at only 22 years old, he could work his way back into the halves if Cherry-Evans decided to retire after his current contract which ends in 2025.
Throughout the season, Schuster has been linked to the Wests Tigers, who were considered the front-runners to sign him at one stage after the arrival of Scott Fulton (Wests Tigers Head of Recruitment).
Fulton has a close bond with Schuster after discovering him and signing him to Manly, however, it was recently understood that Benji Marshall was not keen on signing him as a half.
The re-signing of the current playmaker adds to the Sea Eagles' spending spree after they signed Brooks, Tommy Talau and Jaxson Paulo on Monday, along with the re-signing of outside back speedster Tolutau Koula.
I’m confused. Are Manly moving Schuster to lock next year? They just signed Brooks for 4 years. Is Cherry-Evans or Brooks going to play half-back or five eight? Is Brooks becoming a hooker?