Randwick beat Northern Suburbs in a thrilling final at Leichhardt oval to end another fascinating Shute Shield season.

But before we turn our attention to 2024, Rugby News has pulled together a team of the year from the season past.

To be eligible to be nominated for the Shute Shield team of the year, players must have polled at last 7 Catchpole Medal votes in 2023, as voted by Shute Shield coaches after each regular season match or scored eight or more tries this in the regular season.

Fans were then given a chance to vote for their favourite player and several thousand did.

Here is the forward pack for the 2023 Shute Shield Team of the Year.

Props: James Wayland – Eastwood (43%) & Tristan Fuli – Gordon (33%)

Notable Mentions: Sateki Latu (Warringah), Cameron Orr (West Harbour) & Ivan Fepule’ai (Manly)

James Wayland – Eastwood

Carried for more than 30 meters per match in his 12 regular season appearances for Eastwood in 2023.

Tristan Fuli – Gordon

Averaged 73 minutes per match in 2023 and led the third most consistent scrum in the competition.

Hooker: Thomas Maka – Gordon (36%)

Notable Mentions: Ed Craig (Eastwood), Andrew Tuala (Hunter), Jay Fonokalafi (Western Sydney)

Thomas Maka – Gordon

Recently signed by Moana Pasifika, Gordon hooker Thomas Maka finished third on the top tryscorer list this season with 12 five pointers.

Locks: Cormac Daly – Randwick (33%) & Morgan Innes – Hunter (18%)

Notable Mentions: John Akauola (Gordon) & Phil Potgieter (Southern Districts)

Cormac Daly – Randwick

The big Irish import helped turn Randwick into a premiership contender, then led them to a breakthrough premiership. Hard as nails with a big engine, Daly has signed with the Queensland Reds for 2024.

Morgan Innes – Hunter

Ranked in the top 10 for both tackles made and dominant tackles, hard working Hunter lock Morgan Inness was a consistent standout in a super impressive Wildfires forward pack.

Flankers: Zac Barnabas – Manly (42%) & Michael Icely – Eastwood (25%)

Notable Mentions: Jack McCalman (Sydney Uni) & Chlayton Frans (Hunter Wildfires)

Zac Barnabas – Manly

The 2023 Rookie of the Year probably would have won the Catchpole Medal in most other seasons based on his performances this year. Barnabas finished the season with 39 pilfers. Milan Basson was second on that list with 19.

Michael Icely – Eastwood

The 2023 Catchpole Medal winner scored 11 tries and ranked in the top 10 for carries, dominant tackles and line breaks. He looks destined to play more professional rugby sometime soon.

No.8: Ben Houston – Randwick (47%)

Notable Mentions: Prez Tufuga (West Harbour), Hunter Ward (Manly) & Luke Gersekowski (Norths)

Ben Houston – Randwick 

After a stint with the West Tigers over summer, Randwick skipper Ben Houston returned to lead the Galloping Greens to a breakthrough premiership and finished in the top 10 for tries, tackles and lineout steals.