Arguably the most enjoyable aspect of following the Shute Shield each year is watching young players break into first grade and go on to win premierships or play at a higher level.

There are plenty to pick from this year and today we’ve selected the best Shute Shield players under 21, born in 2003 onwards.

10) Tom Goddard – Eastwood No.9

After playing a key role in the revival of Eastwood’s colts program over recent years, Woodies No.9 Tom Goddard has impressed in his first year in grade. 

Despite a lot of movement around him, Goddard has consistently been one of Eastwood’s best this season. 

9) Hunter Hannaford – West Harbour No.10

Hannaford had a breakout season for West Harbour in first grade last year while he was still eligible to play colts. 

The young flyhalf started this season in second grade but has played his way back into Cam Treloar’s starting side. A strong game manager, Hannaford is only going to continue to get better. 

8) Archie Saunders – Warringah No.11

Big, strong and lightning quick, there aren’t many 20-year olds in world rugby quite like Archie Saunders and it’ll be interesting to watch what he can do at the U20s World Cup in the coming weeks. 

Saunders could still be playing colts but has been a consistent performer in a Warringah side that leads the competition. 

7) Henry O’Donnell – Northern Suburbs No.13

While he’s spent most of this season in Perth, Henry O’Donnell will add more strike power to Norths’ potent backline in their run towards the finals. 

O’Donnell made five Super Rugby appearances off the bench for the Force at the backend of this year. It’ll be interesting to watch his impact in clubland on the back of that. 

6) Ronan Leahy – Sydney Uni No.11

Another young star that made his Super Rugby debut with the Force at the backend of this season, Uni outside back Ronan Leahy has size, power and footwork like few others. 

He’s on his way to South Africa to play with the Junior Wallabies, where he’ll play in the centres, but has made a serious impact in every game he’s played on the wing for Uni so far this year. 

5) James McGregor – Eastwood No.11

Aussie 7s gun James McGregor has torn Shute Shield sides apart in recent weeks. It’s not bad for a 19-year old, who Woodies coach Dave Telfer believes could develop into a flyhalf or fullback in the Damien McKenzie mould. 

4) Jack Bowen – Eastern Suburbs No.10

Still only 21, Beasties flyhalf Jack Bowen is back for his third season in first grade after earning a few more caps with the Waratahs during the Super Rugby season. 

Bowen has unbelievable talent, potentially too much for his own good at times. It’ll be interesting to watch how he manages games at the backend of this season, particularly if the Beasties make a run for the title. 

3) Sam Allsopp – Sydney Uni No.7

Surely the favourite for rookie of the year, Uni flanker Sam Allsopp has looked like a veteran forward playing for the Students this year. He ranks second for most tackles made across the competition this season and third for breakdown steals, all in his first season out of colts. 

2) James Hendren – Randwick No.15 

Potentially the most underrated player in the competition, James Hendren is still only 21 despite playing several seasons of grade already. The electric outside back has a full skillset and rarely makes a mistake. He leads the competition in running metres and ranks in the top five for linebreaks and tackle busts. 

1) Teddy Wilson – Eastern Suburbs No.9

Another that has been around for a few seasons now, Teddy Wilson looks destined for a long career in professional rugby. Wilson has the attacking flare to break open games and the poise needed to slow things down when required. 

He’s still got a few parts of his game to work on, kicking being one of them, but is going to be a genuine star. We should all enjoy watching Wilson in the Shute Shield while we’ve got him.