We’re a third of the way through the 2022 Shute Shield regular season and for the first time in a very long time, every side has won at least two matches in the opening six rounds. 

The likes of Manly, Hunter and Western Sydney have been the big improvers so far and a handful of key recruits have been a big reason why. 

We’ve selected the seven best new signings from the opening six rounds. 

7) Connor Winchester – Hunter

The former Norths utility back looks like a new player since returning to Newcastle and taking on the Wildfires No.10 jersey.

Winchester directs his big forward pack around the pack and knows when to feed the big men in the midfield. His kicking game, in play and off the tee has also played a big part in Hunter’s rise up the ladder. 

6) Blaise Barnes – Southern Districts

While the Rebels season hasn’t gone to plan so far, new recruit Blaise Barnes has been a shining light. Playing between flyhalf and fullback, Barnes’ spark suits the Rebels style of play and if his forwards can consistently give him front foot ball, he’ll prove difficult to stop for the remainder of the season. 

5) Aleks Dabek – Western Sydney

The former Auckland ITM Cup backrower crossed the ditch to take on the Two Blues captaincy and must be pretty pleased with what he, Sailosi Tagicakibau and the Two Blues have achieved so far this year. 

Western Sydney have far exceeded most Shute Shield fans expectations after six rounds and from the outside, it would seem Dabek’s leadership must be a big reason why. 

4) Kemu Valentini – Manly

The former Melbourne Rising No.10 joined a Marlins’ side over summer that had won four matches in two seasons and has led them to the top of the Shute Shield ladder. The older brother of Wallaby Rob, Kemu Valentini is a big bodied playmaker with a huge boot and plenty of composure. 

It hasn’t gone unnoticed at Manly Oval. 

3) Tom Curtis – Western Sydney

The former England U18s flyhalf deserves a heap of credit for leading the Two Blues to victories over Gordon, Sydney Uni and Southern Districts in recent weeks. 

While he has no shortage of talent around him, Curtis has been able to control and direct a Two Blues side filled with players who mostly hadn’t met one another a few months back. 

2) Luke Nadurutalo – Hunter

The former Penrith Panthers utility, who spent time with the Waratahs over summer has proven to be an absolute handful for opposition defences so far this year. 

The big, strong No.12 runs hard and straight but can also pass and offload, as he’s done to equally impressive outside centre Nafi Tuitavake on many occasions this year.

Both players are currently on the sidelines with injuries though. Nadurutalo may be unlikely to return this year, but Tuitavake should hopefully be back later in the regular season.

1) Luke Glen – Eastern Suburbs

Easts are 10th with just two wins to their name so far this year but anyone that has watched new fullback Luke Glen so far this year would have to agree the kid is seriously good. 

New coach Simon Kneebone has brought a completely new style of rugby to Woollahra and it hasn’t clicked just yet. But when it does, and you’ve got Luke Glen playing in a backline full of Waratahs, it’s hard to not see Easts’ seriously challenging towards the end of the season.