One of the most enjoyable aspects of following the Shute Shield each year is watching new talented young players push into first grade and kickstart their rugby careers. 

Already this season, there’s been a bunch of new faces impressing across Sydney. Here are the 10 best new, young players impressing so far this season.

Jayden Blake – Randwick (2002)

21-year old Dubbo centre Jayden Blake started last season in first grade before getting injured. He was replaced by Matthias Jensen who was signed by the Brumbies late last year. 

A tall, strong and tough outside centre, Blake looks to be a professional rugby player in the making.

James McGregor – Eastwood (2004)

After making his Aussie 7s debut last year, Eastwood’s pint sized speedster James McGregor has also made an impact in every Shute Shield match he has played this season. 

Still only 19, McGregor has featured mostly on the wing for Eastwood but Woodies coach David Telfer said he think’s McGregor will develop into a Damien McKenzie like flyhalf or fullback. 

Sam Allsopp – Sydney Uni (2003)

In his first year in grade, Sydney Uni No.7 Sam Allsopp has seamlessly made the jump from colts, where he was named Uni’s most promising U20s player last season. 

Allsopp ranks in the top 10 across the Shute Shield for tries scored, tackles made and pilfers so far this year. 

Tom Smith – Southern Districts (2005)

20-year old Southern Districts flyhalf Tom Smith has added poise and direction to the Rebels since playing his way into first grade earlier this year. 

The Kiwi also kicks goals and doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. 

Ethan Morgan – Hunter (2002)

While Hunter have had a tough start to the year, 22-year old flyhalf Ethan Morgan has been a standout. 

Morgan made his first grade debut off the bench late last season but has come into his own since earning the starting No.10 jersey. His attacking kicking game is arguably the best in the competition. 

Ollie Cummins – Manly (2004)

Ollie ‘Squirtle’ Cummins, the son of Marlins’ legend Damien ‘Turtle’ Cummins, is a very different player to his dad, but equally as talented. 

Cummins has featured across the Marlins backline after making his debut earlier this season and is heading to France next year to join Pro D2 club Agen on a three-year deal. Let’s hope he returns after that.

James Hendren – Randwick (2003)

When 21-year old Randwick outside back James Hendren played alongside Max Jorgensen against Norths, it was tough at times to tell who was who and that had nothing to do with their haircuts. 

Hendren has been around for a few seasons now, but has made the Randwick N0.15 jersey his own and looks destined for a long career in professional rugby. 

Archie Saunders – Warringah (2004)

Fresh out of school and straight into Warringah’s first grade squad, Archie Saunders is a winger in the Duhan van der Merwe mould. 

If you haven’t watched Scotland’s giant winger in action, head down to Rat Park to watch Saunders, who is big, strong and lightning quick. There aren’t many players like him in Australian rugby. 

Carrick McDonough – Northern Suburbs (2002)

Norths picked a winner in Welsh winger Carrick McDonough. The 21-year old who played one tournament for the Welsh Sevens in 2022, is super quick and a fantastic finisher. 

The wet, heavy track at North Sydney Oval so far this year has helped McDonough adapt to the Shute Shield, but it would be great to see what he can do when things dry up. 

Jack Matthews – Sydney Uni (2003)

Another impressive colts graduate at Sydney Uni this year, Matthews has played both wing and fullback in Todd Louden’s side and hasn’t looked out of place. 

A quality goal kicker, Matthews appears to do all the little things right and will be one to watch in the back half of his first season in grade.