We’re past the halfway point of the 2026 Shute Shield Colts season and certain players have made themselves must-watch rugby.

Whether it’s blistering pace, dominant forward play, game-breaking skill or simply an ability to deliver in big moments, these are the players attracting attention every weekend.

If you’re heading to a Colts game in the second half of the season, these are the names worth leaning on the fence to watch.

Eastern Suburbs

Aston Weir (Flanker)

As a three-year Colt, Weir has exploded into club rugby and established himself as the competition’s premier try-scoring forward. The Easts flanker leads the Colts competition with 15 tries in nine games, despite spending one match coming off the bench. A modern-day backrower, Weir combines the work rate expected of a flanker with the speed of a back, regularly outpacing centres and wingers to the tryline. 

Arthur Greer (Second Row / Flanker)

The Easts captain has let his performances do the talking throughout the first half of the season. Greer showcased his attacking class with a hat-trick against Eastwood, while his defensive workload remains among the best in the competition through his tackle count and coverage around the park. His value to Easts was perhaps most obvious during their loss to Randwick, where an unusually quiet afternoon from Greer coincided with their least convincing performance of the season. 

Eastwood

Thomas Halmarick (Centre / Flyhalf)

In a difficult season for Eastwood, Halmarick has consistently provided moments of class. Comfortable at both flyhalf and centre, he possesses one of the most reliable boots in the competition and has regularly kept Eastwood within touching distance through his goal-kicking alone. A composed ball-player with strong distribution skills, Halmarick continues to create opportunities despite often operating behind a beaten pack. 

Harry Jordan (Utility Back)

One of the most versatile players in the competition, Jordan has already featured at centre, flyhalf and fullback during his first season of Colts rugby. A three-year Colt with enormous upside, he possesses genuine attacking flair and has produced several standout moments throughout the season. While consistency is still developing Jordan’s upside soars above many.

Gordon

Max Roach (Winger)

Roach has developed into one of the premier finishers in the competition and enters the second half of the season averaging a try per game. Blessed with genuine pace, the Gordon winger rarely needs a second invitation when space appears on the edge. His consistency has become a cornerstone of the Stags’ attack, providing a reliable source of points every week. 

Justin Amituanai (Tighthead Prop)

Since arriving from Sydney Uni, Amituanai has become one of the dominant scrummagers in the comp. His influence at set-piece time has generated a steady stream of penalties and field position for Gordon, allowing the Stags to build pressure and control matches. Beyond his work in the scrum, Amituanai covers the ground well and consistently contributes around the park. 

Manly

Ryan Jones (Flyhalf)

Jones has emerged as one of the competition’s premier playmakers, capable of hurting teams through both his running game and distribution. Whether he’s attacking the line himself or creating opportunities for teammates, the Manly flyhalf remains the heartbeat of the Marlins’ attack. His goal-kicking is among the competition’s best and continues to improve each week, while his game management has developed noticeably throughout the season. 

Xavier Stewart (Centre)

Stewart has become the perfect partner to Ryan Jones in one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking combinations. Powerful with ball in hand and relentless in support play, the centre consistently turns half-chances into points. His defensive work is equally impressive, rarely losing his direct battle at set-piece time. A brief experiment on the wing only reinforced his importance in the midfield, with Manly quickly restoring him to his preferred position.

Northern Suburbs

Oliver Greig (Halfback)

Greig possesses every quality coaches look for in a modern halfback. Fast, sharp and decisive around the ruck, he consistently provides quick service while remaining a genuine running threat. Add a knack for finding the tryline and it’s easy to see why he’s become such an important figure for Norths.

Flynn Hyndman (Flanker)

The modern attacking flanker is alive and well at Northern Suburbs. Hyndman consistently places himself in the right position to finish attacking movements and remains one of Norths’ most effective ball carriers. Whether he’s punching through the gainline, supporting linebreaks or producing offloads, he acts as the Shoremen’s attacking heartbeat. His defensive work is equally impressive, regularly recording double-digit tackles while averaging around a pilfer per game.

Randwick

Charlie Tanner (Flanker)

Tanner sits second on the Colts try-scoring list with 11 tries at the halfway point, remarkable numbers for a flanker. Yet his defensive contributions may be even more valuable. A menace at breakdown time, Tanner consistently slows opposition ball before immediately turning defence into attack. His ability to influence matches on both sides of the ball has made him one of the biggest reasons behind Randwick’s dominance this season.

Charlie Bird (Flyhalf)

Bird leads the competition in total points scored and continues to prove why he is one of Colts rugby’s most influential players. While his goal-kicking numbers are boosted by Randwick’s high-scoring attack, his value extends far beyond the tee. Bird’s composure was highlighted in Randwick’s tight victory over Sydney Uni, where he calmly slotted two late penalties to steal the win. His passing, vision and ability to unlock defences make him the conductor of the Galloping Greens’ attack.