For 100 years, the Shute Shield competition has unearthed the best young talent in Australian rugby and 2023 will be no different.

When the season kicks off on Saturday, young players from all around the state will be looking to lead their clubs to premiership success and push for higher honours in the year’s ahead.

Here’s a few of the best young players to keep an eye on.

Donny Freeman - Hunter Wildfires

The 22-year old flanker from Orange is tough as nails and has a motor that goes all day. He’s the type of No.7 every coach wants in his side. If Hunter play finals football this year, it’s very likely that Freeman will be a big reason why.