The June long weekend comes just over halfway through the 2023 Shute Shield regular season and we’ve now had plenty of time to take a look at all 12 sides. 

So with no matches over the weekend, we thought we’d pull together a list of the 50 most influential players in the Shute Shield, based solely off their performances so far this season. 

The list was compiled based on conversations with all 12 Shute Shield coaches and a number of key competition statistics. 

To be eligible for the list, players must have played at least five of the 10 competition games so far this season. 

40. Brandon Quinn – Gordon

Gordon winger Brandon Quinn has only made six appearances for the Stags this season but he’s had a big impact in every match he’s played. He averages over one try per game, carries on average close to 15 metres per run and beats defenders almost every time he touches the ball. 

39. Tom Morrison – Sydney Uni

Morrison was a 19-year old thrown in the deep to start in the Uni No.15 jersey at the start of the season. But now only did Morrison, who plays a lot like Damien McKenzie, find his feet, but he’s quickly become one of the most dangerous backs in the competition. Currently with the Junior Wallabies. 

38. Thomas Maka – Gordon

Gordon’s great try thief. Maka has scored a heap of tries on the back of the Gordon maul but also pops up around the park and sniffs out opportunities everywhere. He’s scored eight times this season and is following in the footsteps of Mahe Vailanu very nicely. 

37. Rilloy Suesue – Western Sydney

Two Blues coach Sailosi Tagicaubaki told Rugby News you could put Rilloy Suesue, and his brother Reece, in any position on the field and they’d make an impact. Rilloy has found his spot at No.9 and has been outstanding all season. He’s scored six tries and has directed the Two Blues brilliantly. 

36. Matt Minogue – Eastwood

Minogue has earned his spot in the Eastwood No.10 jersey and seems to be getting better every week. He’s third on the top pointscorers list and he’s kicking at 87.8% this season. 

35. Tristan Fuli – Gordon 

Gordon prop Tristan Fuli looks like a nightmare to tackle. While he isn’t scoring as many five pointers as he did last season, his work around the park and at set piece time has helped Gordon to the pointy end of the Shute Shield ladder. 

34. Archie Gavin – Eastern Suburbs

Another seriously good, tough No.7 in the competition. Gavin is ranked third for tackles made and second for dominant tackles. He’s also a pest at the breakdown and averages more than one pilfer a match. 

33. Jack McGregor – Gordon

When Jack McGregor is playing well, Gordon is playing well. While his form was a little inconsistent in the early rounds, McGregor has set the competition alight at times in attack and looks destined for another professional rugby stint somewhere sooner rather than later. 

32. Nick Duffy – Northern Suburbs

After a stint with the Force over summer, Norths No.9 Nick Duffy has returned to North Sydney Oval in terrific form. Duffy’s speed around the park allows Norths to play their expansive style. He is also arguably the best support runner in the competition and often throws the last past for Norths’ tries. 

31. Connor Winchester – Hunter

Winchester has gone from strength to strength since returning to Newcastle to join the Wildfires. While he has plenty of weapons around him, he is the glue that keeps the side together.