One of the most enjoyable aspects of following the Shute Shield each year is watching young players develop into quality first graders, then go on to higher honours. 

After two Covid interrupted seasons, there’s now an impressive crop of new players ready to make their mark on the competition. 

Most players on this list now have a few seasons of senior rugby under their belts and will likely be the types of players we’ll be hearing plenty about throughout the 2022 season. 

Earlier this week, we released part one of this article. Click here to read more.

Tim Clements – Sydney Uni

Uni fullback Tim Clements has been one of the best players in the competition for a number of years now but somehow still hasn’t picked up a Super Rugby deal. 

If his form in 2022 is anything like it’s been in recent years, he shouldn’t have to wait too much longer. 

Clements will be particularly important at Camperdown this season as a leader in a young Sydney Uni team with a new coach. 

Max Burey – Norths

After spending the summer training with the Waratahs, Burey will return to the Shute Shield with a point to prove as he tries to break into Darren Coleman’s starting 23. 

Burey is a natural footballer that could play just about anywhere in the backline. If Norths return to the final game of the season again this year, he’ll likely be a big reason why. 

Tom Silk – Gordon

Another who spent the summer training with the Waratahs, Silk was one of the leaders in the Catchpole Medal race last year and caused more turnovers at the breakdown than any other player in the competition in 2021. 

Now 23, the abrasive Gordon No.7 has the ability, the determination and the body to dominate every game he plays in. 

Hunter Ward – Manly

Big, tough and mobile, 22-year old Manly No.8 Hunter Ward is one of a number of young Marlins likely to impress this season. 

Ward who spent time in the NSW 7s program, has grown into his body nicely and should be able to use that to his advantage this season. 

Kodie Drury-Hawkins – West Harbour

There’s quite a few new faces both on and off the field at West Harbour this season and the Pirates will need someone to act as the glue to bring it all together. 

Pirates utility back Kodie Drury-Hawkins can be that man for Joe Barakat this season and help the new look Pirates gel under Barakat’s tougher, more physical coaching style.