For many, the best part of following the Shute Shield is watching young players push into first grade, establish themselves as quality footballers, then push for higher honours. 

After just three rounds, there are already a long list of young players doing just that around the competition. 

Here are 10 that have caught our eye in the opening three rounds. 

Lachie Albert – Eastwood

After spending the last few years in Canberra with the Brumbies, former Riverview No.9 Lachie Albert is back in Sydney and has looked impressive at the base of the big Eastwood forward pack. 

Mitch Watts – Randwick

After breaking into first grade late last season and featuring for the Junior Wallabies, 21-year old Tamworth boy Mitch Watts has been one of a number Randwick forwards who look to have taken a big step in the right direction under the guidance of Steve Hoiles.

Witika Rees-Hatu – Warringah

After making his Shute Shield debut while in colts last season, talented Warringah playmaker Witika Rees-Hatu is looking to make the Rats No.10 jersey his own in 2023. While the results haven’t come just yet for Warringah, there’s no denying the talent of Rees-Hatu.

Zac Barnabas – Manly 

If there is one thing the Manly club knows how to produce, it’s quality backrowers and they’ve got another good one in former St Augustine’s skipper and 2021 Junior Wallaby squad member Zac Barnabas.

Joel Cobb – Easts

Former Auckland NPC outside back Joel Cobb has joined Kiwi coach Simon Kneebone at Easts this season and impressed in the opening rounds. While the 22-year old isn’t overly tall for an outside centre, he’s thick, runs hard and tackles all day.

Henry O’Donnell – Northern Suburbs

New Norths centre Henry O’Donnell looks a lot bigger and stronger than most 20-year olds you see running around in club rugby. After playing colts at Sydney Uni, the outside back has impressed since making the move back to the Shoreman. 

Tom Morrison – Sydney Uni

19-year old Sydney Uni fullback Tom Morrison has been superb in his first three games of first grade. While he’s still got a bit of growing to do, the lighting quick fullback plays with a maturity bound his age already.

Hunter Hannaford – West Harbour

Still eligible for colts, West Harbour No.10 Hunter Hannaford has had a fantastic start to the season and controlled the older players around him impressively in the Pirates two wins in the  opening three rounds. He’s one to watch throughout the season. 

Jackson Ropata – Southern Districts 

It’s pretty scary to think that Jackson Ropata was playing against school kids last year. The big, strong and aggressive Southern Districts centre was plucked from the Sydney rugby trials last year and earned a spot in the NSW Gen Blue program. He’s since been picked in the Junior Wallabies squad and has been dangerous every time he’s touched the ball so far this season. 

Chlayton Frans – Hunter 

Hunter coach Scott Coleman did his best to keep the recruitment of former Auckland Blues development squad member Chlayton Frans quiet, but it didn’t last long, after the 22-year old backrower tore the competition apart in the opening rounds.