There were a number of surprising results on the opening weekend of the season and a handful of performances that caught the eye. 

We’ve picked five of the best from the weekend’s action. 

Ben Woollett – Warringah

Ben Woollett was involved in everything in Warringah’s impressive three point victory over Sydney Uni on Saturday. 

The fullback scored his side’s first try, nailed a sideline conversion to level the scores late in the match and kicked the winning penalty goal to finish the afternoon with 14 points. 

Special mentions also go to William and Richard Clift who are already popular with the Hillbillies after showing plenty of grunt on their Rats’ debuts. 

Christian Kagiassis – Southern Districts

Scored all 13 of the Rebels points on Saturday, with a try in each half and an important penalty goal while the match was in the balance. 

Kagiassis is one of the best finishers in the competition and rarely has an off day with the boot. The Rebels weren’t at their best in their tight win over Manly but Kagiassis got them home for an important win. 

Apo Ranawai – Northern Suburbs

After moving south from Warringah to Norths, prop Apo Ranawai played his best game in the Shute Shield in the Shoreman’s big win over Easts. 

Ranawai terrorised the Beasties defence, scoring once and setting up another try on the back of a barnstorming run. 

Luke Nadurutalo – Hunter Wildfires

Arguably the best player on the field in a losing side, Hunter recruit Luke Nadurutalo did everything in his power to get his new side over the line for an unlikely victory over Gordon. 

The inside centre, who previously played rugby league with the Panthers and spent time training with the Waratahs over summer, is an absolute handful and will be tough to stop this season. 

Kodie Hawkins – West Harbour

After conceding three back to back tries to hand the Two Blues the lead late in the match, Pirates flyhalf Kodie Hawkins showed great composure to move his side down the field and earn a penalty, which he nailed from 10 metres in from the sideline. 

Hawkins’ cool head will be important as the new look West Harbour side learns to play alongside one another in the coming weeks.