Josh Schuster and two Souths teammates have been told that their contract with the Rabbitohs won’t be renewed at the end of this season
Coach Wayne Bennett took a flyer on Schuster, signing him to a one-year ‘prove it’ deal after he was released by Manly in April 2024.
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Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out. Schuster has struggled with his mental health, with Souths granting him an indefinite break from rugby league back in June.
He has played in five NSW Cup games for Souths but couldn’t break into the NRL side.
The club’s decision to not re-sign Schuster could signal the end of the 24-year-old’s NRL career.
In addition to Schuster, prop Shaq Mitchell and winger Fletcher Myers have also been told there’s no space at the club for them next year.
The older brother of Latrell, Mitchell hasn’t featured in first grade in 2025.
Meanwhile, the club is keen on retaining livewire fullback Jye Gray.
The two parties are in discussions over a potential two-year extension until the end of 2028.
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SHARKS COULD MOVE TWO FORWARDS ON
A pair of Sharks could be headed for the door at season’s end.
The club is reportedly pondering whether to keep Siosifa Talakai and Braden Hamlin-Uele on the roster beyond this season according to Code Sports, despite the fact they’ve both got a year left on their current deals.
With several clubs starved of front row depth, Hamlin-Uele should garner decent interest around the league. He’s already been given permission to speak with rival clubs.
It’s an interesting decision by the Sharks given Hamlin-Uele only last season signed a contract extension.
If Talakai goes to market early, he will be a hot commodity.
While he hasn’t reached his best form this season, he’s a powerful and versatile player who will be an asset for any team that picks him up.
The Sharks are trying to rejig their roster in order to create enough cap space to re-sign star hooker Blayke Brailey and in form fullback Will Kennedy.
