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Marshall says no to Schuster as Tigers, Manly finalise Talau swap deal
By Michael Chammas
June 25, 2023 — 4.59pm
Future Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall has informed new recruitment boss Scott Fulton that he is not interested in making a bold play for rising Manly playmaker Josh Schuster.
It comes as Manly and the Wests Tigers finalise an immediate swap deal that will see Tommy Talau depart the Tigers midway through the final year of his deal to link up with the Sea Eagles.
In return, the Tigers will receive highly regarded young playmaker Latu Fainu, which the Tigers hope could also yield the signature of his older brother, Samuela.
While a deal is yet to be finalised, both Latu Fainu and Tommy Talau were rested from the lower grades this weekend in preparation for the likely swap.
Marshall’s lack of interest in Schuster comes as Manly offered the five-eighth a new three-year deal to keep him on the Northern Beaches, almost guaranteeing that he will remain at the Sea Eagles.
Fulton, who was recently signed by the Tigers to oversee the club’s recruitment, has a close connection with Schuster having lured him to Manly as a teenager.
He had told club officials that he had the relationship with Schuster to entice him to the Tigers if they wanted to pursue his signature.
However, Marshall, who will take charge of the club as Tim Sheens’ successor in 2025, has told the club that Schuster is not the answer to the Tigers’ halves dilemma.
The club has been keeping a close eye on Schuster’s form over the past couple of months and, in line with the advice of Marshall, have decided against pursuing the hulking playmaker.
Meanwhile, Daine Laurie is set for an NRL recall when the Tigers head north to face the Cowboys on Saturday.
Laurie hasn’t played in the NRL since round four, losing his fullback spot to boom rookie Jahream Bula. He will now get a shot at the No.6 jersey in the absence of Luke Brooks.
Laurie has recently been offered deals to link up with Super League clubs Warrington and Leeds.
The 23-year-old has opted against taking them up and will be given the chance to prove his worth when the Tigers square off with the Cowboys in Townsville.
Laurie, who joined the club from the Panthers in 2020, is off contract at the end of the season and will now get a chance to prove he is worthy of a new deal.
He was meant to play for the Tigers in their last game however a concussion in NSW Cup prevented him from partnering Brandon Wakeham in the halves. The pair are expected to combine this weekend.
www.smh.com.au
By Michael Chammas
June 25, 2023 — 4.59pm
Future Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall has informed new recruitment boss Scott Fulton that he is not interested in making a bold play for rising Manly playmaker Josh Schuster.
It comes as Manly and the Wests Tigers finalise an immediate swap deal that will see Tommy Talau depart the Tigers midway through the final year of his deal to link up with the Sea Eagles.
In return, the Tigers will receive highly regarded young playmaker Latu Fainu, which the Tigers hope could also yield the signature of his older brother, Samuela.
While a deal is yet to be finalised, both Latu Fainu and Tommy Talau were rested from the lower grades this weekend in preparation for the likely swap.
Marshall’s lack of interest in Schuster comes as Manly offered the five-eighth a new three-year deal to keep him on the Northern Beaches, almost guaranteeing that he will remain at the Sea Eagles.
Fulton, who was recently signed by the Tigers to oversee the club’s recruitment, has a close connection with Schuster having lured him to Manly as a teenager.
He had told club officials that he had the relationship with Schuster to entice him to the Tigers if they wanted to pursue his signature.
However, Marshall, who will take charge of the club as Tim Sheens’ successor in 2025, has told the club that Schuster is not the answer to the Tigers’ halves dilemma.
The club has been keeping a close eye on Schuster’s form over the past couple of months and, in line with the advice of Marshall, have decided against pursuing the hulking playmaker.
Meanwhile, Daine Laurie is set for an NRL recall when the Tigers head north to face the Cowboys on Saturday.
Laurie hasn’t played in the NRL since round four, losing his fullback spot to boom rookie Jahream Bula. He will now get a shot at the No.6 jersey in the absence of Luke Brooks.
Laurie has recently been offered deals to link up with Super League clubs Warrington and Leeds.
The 23-year-old has opted against taking them up and will be given the chance to prove his worth when the Tigers square off with the Cowboys in Townsville.
Laurie, who joined the club from the Panthers in 2020, is off contract at the end of the season and will now get a chance to prove he is worthy of a new deal.
He was meant to play for the Tigers in their last game however a concussion in NSW Cup prevented him from partnering Brandon Wakeham in the halves. The pair are expected to combine this weekend.
Marshall says no to Schuster as Tigers, Manly finalise Talau swap deal
Incoming Tigers coach Benji Marshall’s lack of interest in Josh Schuster comes as Manly offered the five-eighth a deal, almost guaranteeing he will stay put.
