A third of the way through the Shute Shield regular season, it’s time to look at some of the new faces that have impressed in the opening rounds. 

Fionn Clifford – Western Sydney

English-born backrower Fionn Clifford has been outstanding for the Two Blues since moving up from Melbourne over summer. The big No.7 leads the competition in tackles made, five ahead of last year’s rookie of the year Sam Allsopp. 

Marshall Le Maitre – Northern Suburbs

Straight out of school and into first grade, you’ll be hearing plenty about Marshall Le Maitre in the years ahead. Another super impressive young No.7, Le Maitre is a boy playing like a man and looks destined for a long career in professional rugby. 

Jack Tougher-Wells – Eastern Suburbs

We often focus on recruits in articles like this, but rarely highlight players who have worked their tails off to push into first grade. Easts’ lock Jack Tougher-Wells has done exactly that. The 22-year old Port Macquarie forward played third grade for most of last season but is making every post a winner this year on the back of a big off season. 

Mark Balaski – Southern Districts

It’s been a tough start to the year for Southern Districts, but Canadian flyhalf Mark Balaski has been one positive down at Forshaw. Balaski came to Sydney in an attempt to shore up his spot in the Canadian squad ahead of World Cup Qualification matches later this year. 

Benjy Joseland – Sydney Uni

Electric English outside back Benjy Joseland has scored seven tries already this season since joining the Students. Joseland has spent the past three seasons studying and playing at Exeter University and has added plenty to the Uni backline in the opening rounds. 

Hamish Comonte – Randwick

An English backpacker that found his way to Coogee and is now scoring tries for fun at Randwick. It’s a familiar tale and one that continues to benefit the Galloping Greens. Comonte, a recent university graduate from Essex, has scored seven tries for the Wicks in five games so far this year. 

Hosea Saumaki – Western Sydney

Tongan international and former Sunwolves outside back Hosea Saumaki is averaging a try a match so far this year for the Two Blues. 

Cole Spinks – Eastwood

Southland outside back Cole Spinks followed Lachie Albert to Eastwood following Albert’s stint with the Stags. Spinks has been the most accurate goal kicker in the competition so far this year, kicking at 87% with just four misses from 31 attempts in 2025. 

Brendan Kauika-Petersen – Hunter

With Andrew Tuala hanging up the boots at the end of 2024, the Wildfires had a big hole to fill in the front row and they’ve filled it nicely with 28-year old Kiwi hooker Brendan Kauika-Petersen. Kauika-Petersen spent time in the Hurricanes program in his younger years and is leading the Wildfires’ scrum and maul nicely. 

Keelan Whitman – Warringah

A 24-year old lock from Wellington’s NPC program, Keelan Whitman has added further strength and depth to a very handy Warringah forward pack. Whitman is a strong ball carrier with a handy offload and has crossed the line three times already this season.