Another day, another rugby league story breaks and sends social media into chaos.
Manly's supposed $800,000 man, Josh Schuster, is set to go on the move after being told by the Sea Eagles that he can explore other opportunities.
Much has been made about the size of his contract, and believe me, it will come up in the below, and I believe this has had a hugely negative bearing on his performances since.
Let's remember, prior to heading to the comments section, that this is a 22-year-old kid with 50 NRL games to his name. The contract was Manly's error, not Schuster's.
We're talking about a former NSW Under 18 captain in a side that also includes Bradman Best, Will Penisini,ย and Sione Fainu.
With that said, below are five potential landing spots for the talented second rower turn five-eighth:
5. Melbourne Storm
Ahh, old faithful!
Earlier, I referenced Ricky Stuart's ability to extract the potential from players.
There's another coach who has built a legacy upon doing just that. Better than anyone else in the competition.
His name? Craig Bellamy!
Look at the current Storm back row stocks - Eliesa Katoa, Trent Loiero, Shawn Blore, Joe Chan and Chris Lewis.
Other than Chan, the fringe first graders at former clubs have all enjoyed their career-best football under Bellamy at the Storm.
Could anyone, even the biggest "hater" of Schuster, look me in the eye and tell me the idea of Schuster reaching his potential in Melbourne isn't frightening?
Melbourne is a top-heavy side. They have four players, all spine players, on monster money.
That means bargains have to be found.
Schuster, at $800,000, is the opposite of a bargain. Schuster, under Bellamy, at $450 to 500k, is a potential coup.
Unfortunately for the talented youngster, there didn't seem to be much of a plan other than to extend him as quickly as possible.
To say Bellamy would have a finely tuned plan ready the second he walked in, would be an understatement.
