Shute Shield recruitment went crazy over summer. 

Whether it was the extended break or the new Sydney Rugby Union participation agreement, almost every club has been busy adding talent to their playing squads ahead of the 2022 season. 

A number of clubs have recruited quality, seasoned players from New Zealand who will be ready to make an impact immediately, while others have looked to other Australian cities to find their ‘missing piece’. 

It’s going to make the first few rounds of the season extremely interesting and to help you prepare, we’ve tracked down some intel on 10 key recruits ahead of round one this weekend. 

Charles Elton – Eastern Suburbs

A late bloomer, Otago backrower Charles Elton didn’t make his ITM Cup debut until 27 but has been one of the competition’s standout players in recent years with some even calling for his inclusion in an extended All Blacks squad. 

Elton is tall, tough and mobile and should be perfectly suited to the fast pace of the Shute Shield. 

Liam Richmond – Southern Districts 

Southern Districts have been searching for a game controlling flyhalf ever since the departures of Rohan Saifoloi and Bayley Kuenzle and Todd Louden seems pretty confident that he’s found his man in Liam Richmond. 

Originally from Brisbane, Richmond spent time in the Brumbies academy but has had a horror run of injuries over the years. He was back playing with Queanbeyan most recently and from all reports has made every post a winner since joining the Rebels. 

Tristan Full – Gordon

A set piece specialist from Otago, Tristan Fuli will add size and experience to a Gordon scrum that has struggled at times in recent years. 

Billy Melrose wants his team to show a harder edge in 2022 and Fuli will certainly help with that. 

Simon Kennewell – Sydney Uni

After spending the past six years in the Australian 7s program, outside back Simon Kennewell has turned his attention to XVs and will add further spark to an already exciting Sydney Uni backline. 

Kennewell played in the centres for the Australian U20s in 2016 and 2017 and has Shute Shield experience at Randwick. 

Jordan Jackson-Hope – Eastern Suburbs

Former Brumbies and Sunwolves playmaker Jordan Jackson-Hope is back in Australia and chasing a Super Rugby contract. 

Jackson-Hope could play anywhere in the Beasties backline. He has oodles of class and speed and will be tough to stop on the dry, quick Woollahra track. 

Aleks Dabek – Western Sydney

Auckland ITM Cup backrower Aleks Dabek is one of a number of exciting signings at the Two Blues. 

Dabeks has been named captain of Western Sydney and from all reports has quickly won over the new look Two Blues playing group. 

Dabeks captained Ponsonby to a Gallaher Shield (Auckland first grade) as a 19 year old and will be looking to use his leadership and work ethic to drive the Two Blues rebuild. 

Presley Tufuga – West Harbour

A former teammate of Aleks Dabek at Ponsonby, Auckland backrower Presley Tufuga has been a standout for the Pirates in their trials. 

Tufuga has several Samoa A caps and played with the Manuma Samoa team in the Global Rapid Rugby competition. 

Tevita Funa – Western Sydney

The former Manly Sea Eagles flyer hasn’t quite cracked the Waratahs starting side yet, which could be great news for the new look Two Blues. 

Funa has featured in a number of the Two Blues trials so far and will prove a handful of opposition defences if he plays Shute Shield all season. 

Inosi Nadolo – Norths

The younger brother of Nemani Nadolo and a cousin of Tevita Kurindrani, Nadolo was signed by French club Montpellier as a teenager but returned to Brisbane during Covid. 

After playing at Brothers last year, the quick footed outside back will add spark to a Norths’ backline that loves to attack from anywhere. 

Fred Fewtrell – Warringah

Former Australian U20s lock Fred Fewtrell has spent the past two years playing Top League in Japan with Shizuoka Blue Revs. 

Standing just under two metres tall and weighing 110kg, the big 21-year old lock is probably still growing into his body and will be a welcome addition at Rat Park.