Manly’s decision to re-sign Josh Schuster on a big-money deal last season has been declared the “worst contract ever negotiated” as the club have on Wednesday confirmed his exit.
The Sea Eagles and Schuster will now part ways, with the club releasing a statement which said the back rower will “explore other opportunities in his career”.
“Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today mutually agreed to release second-rower Josh Schuster from the final three years of his contract,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov said: “Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out for both parties in the end.
“Josh now needs time to focus on himself and what is best for him moving forward.
“We all know Josh is a very talented player and we hope that he can find a new club soon. We wish him well.”
The Sea Eagles will reportedly have to pay out the 22-year-old close to $1 million after confirming his departure.
Schuster inked a three-year extension in June last year said to be worth $800,000-a-season, which reportedly included pre-season weight clauses.
It’s understood the second-rower reached a career-low of 112 kilograms over the summer before his fitness once again slumped after a bout of chickenpox before Christmas.
