Josh Schuster NRL news: Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold challenges star to 'own his career'

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has laid down a challenge to star playmaker Josh Schuster, urging the Samoan international to 'own his career' heading into the back-end of the NRL season.

The 22-year-old is currently plying his trade in the five-eighth role for Manly, but is expected to shift into the forwards next season with the arrival of Luke Brooks on a long-term deal.

Schuster spent the majority of his early NRL career in the back-row, starring during the side's run to the 2021 finals, but has failed recapture that form on a consistent basis.

With their finals hopes hanging in the balance and uncertainty over his role long-term, Schuster will need to be at his very best to justify the club's investment and silence the never-ending criticism. 

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Manly coach Anthony Seibold lays down challenge to Josh Schuster

Speaking to the media ahead of a must-win clash against reigning premiers Penrith, Seibold admitted there was plenty of room for improvement in Schuster's on-field performances. 

“That’s the challenge for myself and the coaching staff, to help Schuster become an 80-minute player, and that’s his challenge," the coach said.

"He needs to own his career and we’ve seen in games and glimpses – even the last 20 last week, he was very significant and had a significant influence on the game – but he’s just got to do it for longer periods.

"We’re working towards that, he’s working towards that. He’s certainly not the finished product, but that’s my job to guide him over the next couple of years.

"He’s 22 years of age and he’s got a lot of growth left in his game."

After getting through a 'reconditioning block' earlier in the year, Schuster has been among the club's best performers in their sporadic victories, but still has plenty of room for improvement.

With the likes of Seibold and club captain Daly Cherry-Evans firmly in his corner, the talented rising star has all the tools to become one of the NRL's marquee names in the coming years - but the challenge from his coach could lead to a vital off-season in his young career. 

Josh Schuster NRL 2023 stats