By Jon Geddes

STRUGGLING NRL player Josh Schuster could kickstart his career and rediscover his love for football with a stint in the Shute Shield.

Depending on the terms of his final release from the Sea Eagles  – and if rival NRL clubs show no interest in signing him – playing  in the premiership club competition could open the many opportunities in rugby for the 22-year-old.

What may appear a fanciful notion, on closer consideration makes a lot of sense and Rugby News can reveal the four reasons why.   

A person very well-qualified to comment, former Wallaby back Mark Gerrard, sees the  idea has plenty of merit.

Aside from his 24 Test caps, Gerrard is also building an impressive CV as a coach and understands both codes very well with a strong league background – which includes being a star junior representative player growing up.

“I’d love an opportunity to work with a young kid like that and just teach him – purely because this game is very different and is probably one of the only sports in the world caters for everyone,” said Gerrard, who was the first Australian to be signed straight from school on a Super Rugby contract.  

So, let’s count down the arguments for the big switch…         

1: YOUNG TALENT TIME

SCHUSTER has shown he is a natural footballer, with intuitive vision and ball playing ability.

Those attributes would easily transfer to rugby and he is certainly young enough to pick up the subtle nuances of rugby which would allow him to reinvent himself in the code.

“He has the skillset, and to me he actually has a rugby brain,” Gerrard said. “I think somebody like that would suit our game.”

2: ESCAPING THE RUGBY LEAGUE PRESSURE COOKER

A MOVE to rugby would allow Schuster to get away from the relentless spotlight he has been subjected to in rugby league.

If he joins another NRL club, that scrutiny would only continue. 

Schuster has had to deal with some very tough times this year, which included giving evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of his closest friend and Manly teammate Keith Titmuss.

The scenario bolsters the case that Schuster may benefit from a change in environment.       

And Gerrard understands the burden Schuster has had to carry. 

“Having someone that you are really close to – whether it is friends or family – pass away leaves a big hole and there is definitely a heavy heart,” he said. “I’ve been around it a little too much myself unfortunately.

“I think it is refreshing when you can look at it from a different perspective and step away from your norm.”

Gerrard sympathises with all that Schuster has been through.

“It’s a tough place to come back from, given all the prevailing circumstances in life for him … injuries can play a part and the mental space as well,” Gerrard said.          

3: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

AFTER serving a Shute Shield apprenticeship, it would be realistic if he put in the work that Schuster’s talent would see him picked up by a Super Rugby franchise.

Playing in next year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia would be too ambitious, but the once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in the 2027 World Cup being hosted by Australia would be a more realistic  proposition – playing for either the Wallabies or Samoa.

“It could be a great eye-opener and a fresh start in a game that could potentially take him anywhere – and that’s not just here in Australia,” Gerrard said.

“It definitely could be the change he needs.

“He has the potential to be overseas playing the game at a professional level if that’s what he chooses to do.

“Or if he works hard at the game he could be here playing for NSW – and who knows?  – potentially in a gold jersey.” 

Financially, it could be short-term pain for long-term gain. 

The next conundrum is what position would Schuster slot into if he made the switch. Rugby News could imagine him as a No.12 in the mould of former Wallaby Lloyd Walker.

“Where he would play, that is a bit tricky,” Gerrard said. “A 12 is quite a hard ballrunner, dynamic ballplayer and controller.

“If you put him in the backrow he could be our ballplayer and we need a lot of tough stuff up front as well.”

4: FAMILY TIES  

SCHUSTER could continue his family’s proud rugby legacy if he moved across.

His grandfather David, whom he calls “Dad”, played for Samoa and was also a long-serving No.10 in the Shute Shield with Northern Suburbs.

Uncle John was an All Black, another uncle Peter played for Australian rugby sevens and great uncle Fred also played for New Zealand.  

Josh could become the third generation of his family to make a mark in rugby.       

“He has great pedigree, great history and a great awareness around him when you say those names,” Gerrard said.

“What you need now is to talk to him and see where he is at and go from there.”