Latrell Mitchell in glaring detail as Wayne Bennett faces huge task with Josh Schuster

Incoming Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has welcomed the task of managing both maligned stars Latrell Mitchell and Josh Schuster at South Sydney in 2025 with new details emerging around his one-year deal. Schuster's NRL career appeared to be in limbo since accepting a $1 million severance package from the Sea Eagles earlier this year, but the talented star is set to have another chance at Redfern in 2025.

Schuster played in the halves at times for Manly, before shifting to the back-row. And it appears the enigmatic talent could be set for a return to the forward pack under Bennett after reportedly impressing the master-coach in meetings.

The Rabbitohs surprised supporters handing Schuster a one-year deal to prove his worth. While fans have questioned whether Schuster can show the talent he once did at Manly, which had him so highly touted, reporter Michael Carayannis has praised the gamble on a star worth around $200,000.

And Bennett was also impressed enough to take the leap. "Cut-price deal. I think it is a great move for both parties. We know how talented he is, we saw it in glimpses at the Sea Eagles," Carayannis said on SEN Radio of Schuster's $200,000 deal.

"Manly cut him adrift and he has taken that time to train hard and refocus. By all reports, he has done that and he looked really impressive. And impressed Wayne in their meetings together. And now he gets an opportunity to prove himself. This is basically his last chance.

"Not too many players, if it doesn't work out with Wayne if given a second chance, get another chance elsewhere." Carayannis backed Schuster to add some much needed X-factor to the forward pack in 2025.

Greg Alexander also agreed the Rabbitohs was arguably the best place for Schuster to sign, in order to maximise his potential under the master NRL coach. And Schuster's inclusion comes as Bennett looks to maximise Mitchell's ability after a troubled year.

Wayne Bennett brings hardline stance to South Sydney squad

Bennett recently met with the Rabbitohs squad and practically gave the players an ultimatum to meet his standards or else. And it appears Bennett is confident Schuster can meet the standards he will implement ahead of the 2025 season.

Another player who will have to meet Bennett's standards is Mitchell. The superstar fullback started the 2024 season in poor form, before copping a three-game suspension in round five. Mitchell didn't return until round 10, which saw him make a comeback in sublime form.

The Rabbitohs No.1 scored six tries in six games upon his return, and won four in a row, to help put South Sydney back into NRL finals contention. Unfortunately, Mitchell suffered a foot injury and didn't play again after round 18. Bennett's role will be to make sure Mitchell can sustain his form for the season.

Mitchell was then handed a one-game ban and fined by the NRL after bringing the game into disrepute over the leaked photo controversy. Bennett stood by Mitchell throughout the ordeal and will coach his first game back in 2025 without the fullback available for selection.

RELATED:

• Papenhuyzen in $850,000 Eels development as Storm face Faalogo gamble

• Corey Parker in shock as Selwyn Cobbo's future at Broncos in doubt

And NRL reporter Paul Crawley claimed Bennett was firm with the $1.2 million superstar when meeting about what to expect next year. “The tough calls are Latrell has to buy in doesn’t he?” Crawley said NRL 360 this week. “I understand he has had a meeting with Latrell and Wayne is very confident he is going to get the best out of Latrell.

“But that starts in pre-season. That starts with an attitude adjustment. I think there is a few there. Cody Walker is at a stage of his career where he has moved on in years.

“From the time they played in the Grand Final until now three or four years has passed. I think Cody needs to go out and train incredibly hard. I think across the board they do. And Wayne is the man who can do that, but I will guarantee one thing, he proved it going right back to Wally Lewis, if he has to make tough decisions he will make tough decisions.”