Manly star Josh Schuster has been told to ‘grow up’ over a reported training ground bust-up with Sea Eagle teammate Dean Matterson.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Anthony Seibold witnessed a ‘punch-up’ between the two players just a few days after Schuster had been stood down.
However, the Sea Eagles’ coach had played it down as a ‘non-event’.
Advert
But it has since come to light that it was perhaps more serious than let on, and that Josh Aloiai had to step in to break it up.
Matterson is the younger broth of Eels forward Ryan Matterson and currently plays for Manly’s NSW Cup reserve grade team the Blacktown Workers.
Telegraph reporter Phil Rothfield explained how the incident came to a head on Big Sports Breakfast.
He said, as per Fox Sports: “They’ve got this game, it’s serious kindergarten stuff, it was a bit of fun that went wrong.
Advert
“If you turn up to Manly with a bad haircut you get clipped behind the ears. You sort of get a little slap behind the head, that’s a little tradition they’ve got going there now.
“But Schuster slapped him too hard, Matterson reacted badly and the pair exchanged punches. Josh Aloiai had to step in to break it up.
“It’s just not a good look when your team’s playing bad.”
However, former Manly Pathways head Krisite Fulton, who is also the daughter of Manly Immortal Bub Fulton, took aim directly at Schuster despite Rothfield’s indication that it was more than just his fault.
Advert
She wrote on her personal Facebook page: “The solution is simple, he needs to grow up.
“Move to Manly, cut ties with the negative influences in his life, stop hanging with fans, control the diet and have the mindset and attitude he once did circa 2019.
“Too many enablers and excuse makers around him. It’s always everyone else’s fault.”
The post was shared by a Manly fan page on Facebook.
Advert
Schuster is taking a break from the NRL to work on his injuries and general fitness.
Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans commented on the challenges his potential halves partner has been facing.
He said, as per Fox Sports: “It’s never a fun time when you’re in and out of first grade through injury.
“It’s not going to be easy for him to get back into first grade, because he’s been quite inconsistent and coming in and out.
Advert
“I have been playing long enough to see so many people at this club not maximise their opportunity.
“That is rugby league mate – if you’re not willing to work hard enough, if you’re not willing to sacrifice, you just don’t last long. He is at a crossroads early in his career but it can be a real positive.”
Featured Image Credit: NRL/Supplied.Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Australia