The Shute Shield is stacked with young players ready to take the next step in their rugby careers.

After getting a good response to our Under 23s side last week, we thought we’d take a look at the really young players who have already made a mark in the Shute Shield first grade competition before their 22nd birthday.

To be eligible, players must have been born in 2001 or later. We’ve also excluded players like Easts’ Jack Bowen and Manly’s Nic Benn who were selected in the U23s side last week. 

Props – Tiaan Tauakipulu (Randwick) & Adrian Bell (Eastwood)

Former New Zealand schools prop Tiaan Tauakipulu has spent the last two seasons at the Waratahs and while he hasn’t yet made a big impact at Super Rugby level, his age suggests he still has a huge amount of upside if he can continue to develop his set piece. 

Eastwood’s Adrian Bell will play with the Australian U20s team in coming weeks and should push for game time in the Woodies front row towards the back end of the season. 

Hooker – Thomas Maka (Gordon)

Gordon hooker Thomas Maka seems to make an impact whenever he gets a chance in first grade for the Stags. While he’ll play behind Mahe Vailanu when he’s not with the Australian U20s, he’s one to keep an eye on in the years to come. 

Locks – Clem Halaholo (Sydney Uni) & Angus Houston (Randwick)

Clem Halaholo is an 18-year old at Sydney Uni who has drawn plenty of comparisons to a young Will Skelton. He hasn’t looked out of place when he’s featured in first grade so far this year and looks to be an exciting prospect. 

Angus Houston has broken into Randwick’s first XV in recent weeks and plays alongside his equally talented older brother Ben Houston. 

Backrow – Langi Gleeson (Manly), Boston Kerapa (Norths), & Papilon Saville (Sydney Uni)

After a few bad years with injuries, Langi Gleeson has had a breakout season for Manly, then the Waratahs and was named today in an extended Australia A squad to play in the coming weeks.

Boston Kerapa is a hardworking backrower from Newcastle who broke in to first grade earlier this year and has earned man of the match honours for the Shoremen twice since doing so. 

Papillon Saville has been in the Uni system for a number of years now and looks to be developing into a classy No.8 who will only continue to get better as he grows into his body. 

Scrumhalf – Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs)

While his halves partner Jack Bowen has earned a lot of praise in his debut season, fellow young gun Teddy Wilson has been equally impressive, so much so he earned a call up to the Waratahs bench earlier this year. 

Flyhalf – Jude Gibbs (Sydney Uni)

Gibbs has jumped around the grades at Uni over the past few years and spent some time playing rugby league but remains seriously underrated and always impresses when picked in first grade at Camperdown. 

While he’s now playing behind Lewis Holland, Gibbs is still just 21 and has a little bit of Bernard Foley about him as a late developer that may come into his own if given the chance. 

Centres – Mosese Tuipulotu (Eastern Suburbs) & Nick Chan (Randwick)

Two big, strong ball running centres, Tuipulotu and Chan are both in their second season of first grade at just 21. 

Tuipulotu missed the first part of the season through injury, but was one of Easts best in last year’s finals campaign. 

Chan is having a breakout year at Coogee and sparks a lot of the Galloping Green’s attach from the 12 channel in a similar fashion to Irae Simone. 

Wingers – Ben Dowling (Randwick) & Ben Pollack (Gordon)

Randwick’s Ben Dowling has been a standout of the Aussie 7s in 2022 and earned a spot in the Australian U20s. Ben Pollack has played in the centres mostly for Gordon but looks a serious talent at just 21. 

Fullback – Matt Ryan (Northern Suburbs)

Young Matt Ryan has set North Sydney Oval alight on a number of occasions this year and can play both No.10 or No.15. From all reports, his twin brother Luke is equally as classy. 

Zak Beer has no shortage of young talent to call upon, 21-year old Winiata Cherrington also started for the Shoremen in round 10.