South Sydney believes it can turn Josh Schuster's career around after handing the former Manly prodigy a one-year deal for 2025.

The Rabbitohs have confirmed Schuster will join the club under incoming coach Wayne Bennett, five months after the Samoa international was cut free by Manly.

One of the most talented prospects at the Sea Eagles for years, Schuster battled fitness concerns after making his NRL debut for the club in 2020.

That eventually ended when his $2.4 million three-year contract at Manly — that was to run through until the end of 2027 — was terminated in April.

Handed a severance package by Manly, Schuster has since trained away from the NRL spotlight.

But he will now return at the Rabbitohs, with club officials saying they could get the best out of the 23-year-old.

"We think a comeback to the NRL with our club will be just what Josh needs to get his career back on track," South Sydney's head of football Mark Ellison said in a club statement.

"We're confident that he can use this second opportunity at NRL level, at a new club with new coaches, new teammates and renewed expectations, to resume his NRL career and achieve his and the team's goals."

Schuster has previously said he wanted to return as a playmaker in the NRL after being used as a back-rower for some of his stint at the Sea Eagles.

He did not add to his 50 NRL appearances this year, instead spending the opening month of the season in reserve grade before his exit from Manly.

Bennett is returning to the Rabbitohs for the first time since guiding the club to the 2021 grand final.

He has spent the past two seasons as the Dolphins' foundation coach.

AAP