Josh Schuster has confirmed a recent public catch-up with Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold was purely social and not linked to any contract discussions, moving quickly to hose down rumours he may be eyeing a return to the NRL.
The former Manly and South Sydney forward was spotted having coffee with Seibold over the weekend, sparking immediate speculation about a potential lifeline back to his old club.
However, Schuster was quick to clarify the situation, explaining the meeting was simply two close friends catching up and that there was “nothing in it” from a football perspective.
Schuster, now 24, played under Seibold during the latter stages of his time at Manly, where the pair formed a strong bond that has remained intact since his departure from the club.
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Once regarded as one of the most gifted young players in the game, Schuster played 50 NRL matches for the Sea Eagles across the second row and five-eighth, while also captaining the NSW Under-18 side during his rise through the pathways system.
His time at Manly ended in 2024 before he signed a one-year deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a move that was meant to provide a fresh start and reignite his career.
That stint failed to gain traction, with Schuster not featuring in a single first-grade match for the Rabbitohs during his ill-fated time at Redfern.
Despite the setback, Schuster is understood to still be keen on pursuing an NRL career, although his immediate focus remains on addressing ongoing challenges away from the field.
While a return to Manly appears unlikely in the short term, Schuster’s age and natural talent mean he could still attract interest down the track, and his existing relationship with Seibold ensures the rumours are unlikely to disappear entirely.
For now, however, the coffee meeting was nothing more than a catch-up with an old coach, not a sign of an imminent comeback.