The majority of the NSW Waratahs squad will return to their clubs and play a trial match this weekend during the Waratahs bye round.

21 players will play for eight teams at various fields around NSW.

“Our players are keen to represent their clubs this weekend in preparation for the Shute Shield competition and we have a large number participating in various trials,” Gibson said.

Winger Taqele Naiyaravoro summed up his feelings about returning to club land.

“Can’t wait. It’s always good to go back to Shute Shield and have a run with the boys,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed my rugby with West Harbour and returning to the grass roots of rugby.”

Echoing the wingers words was NSW teammate Harry Johnson-Holmes, who will represent Sydney University in tomorrow’s trial against Eastwood.

“I’m really excited to take all I’ve learnt in pre-season and the past few weeks in terms of experience back to club,” he said.

1st Grade Shute Shield trials – Saturday 24th March

Southern Districts v West Harbour, Redmond Oval, 2:30pm

Southern Districts: Shambeckler Vui
West Harbour: Taqele Naiyaravoro

Randwick v Northern Suburbs, Latham Park, 3:00pm

Randwick: Andrew Kellaway
Northern Suburbs: JP Sauni, Kalivati Tawake, Nick Palmer, Will Miller, Irae Simone, Cam Clark, Nick Duffy

Penrith v Eastern Suburbs, Nepean Rugby Park, 2:30pm

Eastern Suburbs: Cody Walker, Ryan McCauley, Mack Mason

Warringah v Gordon, Pittwater Park, 4:45pm

Warringah: Maclean Jones

Sydney University v Eastwood, St John’s College Oval, 3:00pm

Sydney University: Tolu Latu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Matt Sandell, Lachlan Swinton, Brad Wilkin
Eastwood: Hugh Roach, Mick Snowden

Parramatta v Manly, Merrylands RSL Rugby Park, 3:00pm