Des Hasler slams rumours Josh Schuster wants to play at five-eight in AWKWARD exchange with journo
Des Hasler fires back at rumours Josh Schuster wants to play at five-eighth in AWKWARD exchange with journo – but Manly boss concedes 20-year-old may switch position in the future
- Josh Schuster made his season debut for Manly on Friday against Rabbitohs
- Des Hasler bristled when asked about moving Schuster to five-eight
- Nine reported this week the back-rower had allegedly been promised the role
- Incumbent Manly five-eight Kieran Foran is out of contract at the end of 2022
Des Hasler dismissed rumours Josh Schuster wants to play at five-eight, but conceded the youngster could switch position in the future.
On Monday, Nine revealed the back-rower was eager to be handed the No6 jersey after being allegedly promised the role long-term.
Speaking after the Sea Eagles’ 40-22 defeat to South Sydney on Friday, however, Hasler swiftly shut down a reporter when asked whether there was any truth in the speculations.
Josh Schuster made his season debut for Manly against South Sydney on Friday night
‘What No6 talk are you talking about?,’ the 61-year-old bristled.
When it was put to Hasler that reports suggested Schuster is allegedly determined to become Manly’s five-eight, he replied: ‘Where did you see the reports? What reports are you talking about?’
The two-time premiership-winning coach eventually acknowledged the 20-year-old may have an ‘opportunity’ to play in the position, but not in the immediate future.
On Monday, Nine reported Schuster was eager to be moved at five-eight
A position which is currently held by veteran playmaker Kieran Foran (above)
‘There is that intent and there is that opportunity down the road, but at the moment he is doing a great job playing where he is,’ Hasler said.
‘Where he is playing suits the side really well.’
Kieran Foran, Manly’s incumbent five-eight, is out of contract at the end of the current season and is yet to pen a new deal, although he is understood to be eager to remain at the club.
But Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler vehemently dismissed the rumours on Friday
Schuster made his season debut on Friday night after a lengthy layoff and Hasler was pleasantly surprised with his contribution.
Given the length of time he has had off. He has had no off-season at all,’ he said.
‘He was injured in his prep through Covid and a calf so the high performance work and the fitness that they have done with him prepared him really well. We will build on that.’
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