After one of the closest and most entertaining Shute Shield seasons in history, we've put together our team of the year for 2016.  READ MORE: 2016 Shute Shield team of the year: Forwards Halfback - Jake Gordon (Sydney Uni) Sydney Uni No.9 Jake Gordon was arguably the best performing halfback in the country in 2016 and was outstanding in both the Shute Shield and the NRC. The 23 year old scored 15 tries for the Students and sparked plenty of their attack in open play yet still provided brilliant service to his outside men. If his form continues, he’ll challenge both Nick Phipps and Matt Lucas for time in a Waratahs jersey next year. Flyhalf - Andrew Deegan (Randwick) As the competitions leading pointscorer, it was difficult to overlook Randwick playmaker Andrew Deegan for the No.10 jersey. Deegan continues to mature as a footballer and is well and truly in the Bernard Foley mould. The 23-year old executed Randwick’s expansive game plan with ease throughout 2016. Norths flyhalf