The global reputation of the Shute Shield has grown tremendously in recent years, highlighted by the calibre of talent joining the competition in 2023. 

While most coaches like to keep their cards pretty close to their chests at this time of year, particularly when it comes to new recruits, here are 10 names to keep an eye on in the opening weeks of the season.

Harvey Elms – Warringah

Great Britain’s decision to combine the English, Scottish and Welsh Rugby Sevens programs into one in the lead up to next year’s Paris Olympics has forced a number of World Series players to look for other opportunities around the world. 

An outside back, Elms, has spent the past five years representing Scotland on the Sevens world circuit and now finds himself on the Northern Beaches, trying to work out what on earth a ‘Hillbillie’ is. 

Max Clementson – West Harbour

Likewise, former English 7s gun Max Clementson has joined West Harbour and blown his new coach and teammates away with his fitness and professionalism. 

Pirates’ coach Cam Treloar said many of the returning Pirates were doing their best to match Clementson on the training park, which bodes well for those at Concord. 

Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco – Western Sydney

After being released from the Waratahs at the end of 2022, former Southern Districts backrower Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco joined the Two Blues before picking up an injury cover contract with the Western Force. 

Earlier this year, Warren-Vosayaco was scarily good in a NSW A game against the Brumbies Runners, playing like he had a point to prove. Expect him to dominate for the Two Blues this season. 

Cormac Daly – Randwick

Former Irish U20s and Connaght lock Cormac Daly has joined the Galloping Greens to add size and experience to the Randwick forward pack. 

If he can survive the sun burn in the opening rounds, Daly will play a crucial role in Randwick’s forward pack, particularly when Coogee Oval gets wet and boggy. 

Luatangi Li – Gordon

Former Tongan international and Auckland Blues prop Luatangi Li joined the Highlanders to add a whole heap more size to the Gordon front row. 

Li played against both the All Blacks and Samoa back in 2021. 

Alex Pohla – Hunter

After starring for Gordon throughout 2022 despite playing through injury for most of the season, centre Alex Pohla has joined Hunter to add more spark to the Wildfires’ backline. 

Pohla lives and works on the Central Coast and had been travelling down to Sydney several times a week for years now. He wanted to play closer to home and Bubba Coleman was more than happy to have him. 

Jack Hill – Eastern Suburbs 

Easts have picked up former Scottish U20s and Sale Sharks backrower Jack Hill. Hill is the perfect replacement for Charles Elton, the Kiwi backrower who was one of the Beasties’ most consistent players in 2022. 

Elton has joined MLR side Seattle. 

Jude Gibbs – Northern Suburbs

Following the retirement of Angus Sinclair, Norths coach Zak Beer has enticed former Uni No.10 Jude Gibbs across the harbour bridge to North Sydney Oval. 

Gibbs has had a tough run of injuries over recent years, but remains one of the best young playmakers in Sydney. 

Ed Scraggs – Sydney Uni 

The 2022 premiers have lost plenty a number of experienced forwards to contracts overseas and retirement but they’ve managed to recruit one experienced forward to fill some of that void. 

Ed Scraggs is a former Wales U20s lock who spent last season contracted at London Irish. 

Issac Ratumaitavuki Kneepens – Southern Districts 

Ratumaitavuki Kneepens is a former Fijian U20s player who also played with Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup. 

The outside back is quick and has plenty of footwork and will cause headaches for oppositions if they give him too much space.