The Shute Shield is stacked with young players ready to take the next step in their rugby careers. With a big year of rugby ahead of us, we thought we’d take a look at the best young players in the competition, 23-years old and under.

To be eligible, players must have been born in 2001 or later and have played first grade this year or last.

Props: Paddy Tagg (Sydney Uni) & Jack Barrett (Randwick)

After spending last season in Perth with the Western Force academy, 22-year old former Junior Wallabies prop Paddy Tagg has earned his spot in first grade this season and impressed in the opening rounds.

Jack Barrett hasn't played much Shute Shield rugby, but after dominating at U18 and U20 level, the red-headed Randwick forward from Lightning Ridge is arguably the most exciting front row prospect in the country and he's still eligible to play colts.