With seven rounds remaining in the Shute Shield regular season, rep players from Super Rugby and competitions around the world have been steadily popping up on team sheets each week.

Here are 12 new or returning players that could have a big impact on the competition in the months ahead.

Max Burey – Norths

On the back of his first full season of Super Rugby, Norths utility back Max Burey has been called in to the Aussie 7s extended squad for a training camp up in Darwin this week. Maurice Longbottom has been under an injury cloud and from all reports, Burey is next in line for a spot in the Olympic squad if Longbottom can’t prove his fitness. 

If he isn’t in Paris, Burey will add plenty to a Norths side that aren’t quite clicking at the moment. 

Alex McHenry – Easts

Easts lost Waratahs’ centres Harry Wilson and Mosese Tuipulotu earlier than expected when the pair both signed deals in the UK. But Ben Batger has found cover, signing 26-year old Irish centre Alex McHenry.

McHenry has been named to start at outside centre for Easts against Randwick this week. He was in the Munster system, then joined Jersey Reds before they went into administration. McHenry played for Ireland U20s and most recently had a season with Dax in France’s Pro D2 competition.

Will Harris – Easts

Burey’s force teammate Will Harris is also back from Perth and will add further class and depth to the Beasties forward pack. Harris started 11 Super Rugby matches and played off the bench in a further two games this year. 

At 24, he’s grown into his body and should have a big impact in clubland in the months ahead. 

Joey Walton – Gordon

It’s still hard to know exactly what to make of Joey Walton. At 24, he’s spent most of his rugby career on the physio’s table, then played mostly in a disappointing Waratahs side. 

You’d like to see Walton really crack on during his time with Gordon and become the dominant midfielder in the competition in the Stag’s run towards the finals. 

Jack Stafford – Manly 

Former Munster and Harlequins No.9 Jack Stafford started his first match for the Marlins on Saturday against Hunter. 

The 26-year old Irishman looked at home in the rain and mud at Manly Oval, but was probably hoping for a drier rugby experience when he made the decision to cross the world to play in the Shute Shield. 

Johnny Kawau – Western Sydney

32-year old Kiwi lock Johnny Kawau returned for Western Sydney a fortnight ago and played a key role in the Two Blues’ crucial win over Uni in the wet last weekend. He’s got size, class and experience, all of which will help as Western Sydney push for a spot in the playoffs. 

Tim Anstee – Eastwood

A former nominee for Cosmo’s Bachelor of the Year, Western Force backrower Tim Anstee is back at Eastwood after his fourth season of Super Rugby and will add some much needed experience to a young Woodies outfit. 

With Tane Edmed off to New Zealand, Anstee’s role is even more important. 

Anstee recently turned 27 and as a forward, still has his best rugby ahead of him. Eastwood fans will be hoping he can play some of it at TG Millner this year. 

James Kane – Sydney Uni

Another older player adding much need experience to a younger side, Uni outside back James Kane is back in Sydney after finishing his second season playing for Narbonne in France’s third tier club competition – Nationale. 

Kane is a classy outside back and kicks goals from everywhere. Todd Louden will need plenty of points from him in the finals six rounds of the regular season. 

Henry O’Donnell – Norths

After earning five Super Rugby caps in his first season over in Perth with the Western Force, Henry O’Donnell is back at Norths. Still only 21, O’Donnell’s size was noticeable in Saturday’s clash against Gordon, but he was arguably outplayed by Gordon No.13 James Armstrong. 

There will be a handful of older midfielders wanting to prove a point every time they play O’Donnell this year. 

Connor Collett – Manly

Former Newcastle Falcons backrower Connor Collett was another new name on the Manly team sheet in recent weeks. Collett is a big, strong 28-year old forward who spent his younger years playing NPC for North Harbour in New Zealand before returning to the UK to play with Newcastle. 

Teddy Wilson – Easts

He’s been in and out all year but Easts are a significantly better team with Teddy Wilson on the field. He’s another that’s had a tough year with the Waratahs and could really benefit from playing consistent minutes. 

On his day, Wilson is the most influential player in the competition according to most Shute Shield coaches. If he can have a consistent impact each week, Easts are going to push deep into this competition.

Kurtley Beale – Randwick 

The Kurtley Beale story has taken many twists and turns over the past year or two and it’s still hard to know which direction it’s going. 

You’d think Beale is in the Wallabies squad to add experience, more than anything, but he’s clearly hungry to play. If he isn’t getting minutes in a gold jersey, he may end up in a green one and could potentially help his mate Steve Hoiles finish up at Coogee with another title.