A compassionate Benji Marshall can only see positives around the Club’s recent signing of Josh Schuster.
The Wests Tigers NRL Head Coach met Schuster this week following a request from second-rower Samuela Fainu to give his close, family friend a possible opportunity to revive his NRL career.
A naturally, gifted ball player, 25-year-old Schuster has not played in the NRL since 2024 after playing 50 games at Manly.
After being released by the Sea Eagles in April 2024, Schuster joined South Sydney before taking an indefinite break from rugby league midway through last year.
Marshall said he walked away from the meeting feeling positive about Schuster, who has agreed to a NSW Cup contract for the remainder of 2026.
“It was more about helping him getting his life back on track than the actual footy side of things,’’ Marshall said.
“I sat down with him and just said ‘if it's about the money, don't come’ and he said, ‘no, it's not about the money, it's about the opportunity’".
“He’s proven that. He’s taken the NSW Cup contract, which means he will train with us (NRL squad) one day a week.
“There is no risk for us. It’s not costing us anything.
“The flip side is, if he returns to what everyone knows he can be, it’s a big bonus for us.
“The only risk is himself…letting himself down.”
Marshall then revealed how he could relate with Schuster’s story.
“The human element of me, feels sorry for the kid, and wants to give him the opportunity to have some people around him,’’ Marshall added.
“Good people that he knows here, and me, to help him get out of it and mentor him out of where he has been.
“The first step for him is he's 97 kilos now…I think he was 120kg last year. That plays a part.
“The ball's going to be in his court to what happens from here.”
When asked if Schuster could play NRL this season, Marshall said he was looking no further than the present.
“It’s not even in my thoughts at the moment,’’ Marshall stated.
“He's on (a) NSW Cup contract. And if he earns it, that might happen.
“It’s about getting his life back on track first.
“I think for him having someone believe in him and take, not the risk, but just back him in that he can return to playing footy again, which he loves.
“And I’m all for that.
“The big softie in me caved a bit the other night talking to him, but that's what our game is about, giving people opportunities and chances.
“I really think we could help Josh and it's not even about the footy.”
