The 2018 Shute Shield season is one of the closest we’ve seen and the race for the Catchpole Medal, awarded to the competition’s most valuable player, is just as tight.

Without giving anything away, here are six players who are in the mix after 12 rounds of voting.

Kelly Meafua – West Harbour

If West Harbour play finals footy this year, Kelly Meafua will be a big reason why. The backrower is brilliant and although his stint at the Waratahs didn’t quite work out, Meafua has picked up a contract in France for the upcoming season.

Archie King (Eastern Suburbs)

The Beasties have attracted a lot of big names to their shiny new base at Woollahra but none of them have been as consistently good as Archie King. King can play almost anywhere in the Easts backline and rarely puts a foot wrong. His composure and versatility will be key if Easts are to end their finals drought this season.

Myles Dorrian (Warringah)

After returning from the UK to help Warringah break their Shute Shield premiership drought last year, 35-year old Dorrian has proven to be just as valuable this season. He kicked a crucial final minute penalty goal to get the Rats out of jail against Gordon in round 11, but interestingly, will play off the bench in this weekend’s local derby against Manly.

Adrian Musico (Parramatta)

Things haven’t quite gone to plan for Parramatta so far this year but in a losing side, Adrian Musico has been consistently impressive. The backrower has thrived since being appointed captain early in 2018 but would most likely trade all the personal accolades for a few more wins this season.

Mick Snowden (Eastwood)

Mick Snowden may have made his Waratahs debut earlier this season but his best rugby in 2018 has been played in an Eastwood jersey. After spending the last few years in Melbourne with the Rebels, the Tamworth No.9 has helped turn the Woodies into genuine premiership contenders. His combination with Jai Ayoub will be crucial in the coming weeks.

Jack Johnson (Randwick)

The Galloping Greens certainly aren’t where they thought they would be at this point of the year, but No.7 Jack Johnson can hardly be blamed for that. The hard working backrower stepped up to fill the void left by Mark Baldwin this year and has been a shining light for a disappointing Randwick side all season.