The Shute Shield has been run and won for another year, with Randwick claiming the 2023 final after holding off Norths in a thrilling grand final at Leichhardt Oval late last month. 

Not it’s time to select the Shute Shield team of the year and we’d like the fans and our Rugby News readers to help. 

Over the coming weeks, all readers will be able to vote for one player in each position. If an individual votes more than once (in each position category), their votes will not be counted. 

To be eligible to be nominated for the Shute Shield team of the year, players must have: 

• Polled at last 7 Catchpole Medal votes in 2023, as voted by Shute Shield coaches after each regular season match
• Scored eight or more tries this in the regular season

In certain positions, the top six or seven players that met this criteria were nominated. 

Use the form at the bottom of the article to enter your vote before the end of September. The votes will then be tallied and the Shute Shield team of the year will be announced in early October.

Flyhalf

Jude Gibbs – Northern Suburbs

The signing of the season, Gibbs proved he is one of the best young playmakers in the country as he led Norths to the grand final. He was also the competition’s top point scorer, 40 points clear of his nearest rival.

Reece Suesue – Western Sydney

As talented and as underrated as his brother, Reece Suesue finished second behind Gibbs on the top point scorer list.

Coby Miln – Randwick

While he finished the season playing a supporting role to Andrew Deegan, Coby Miln was electric throughout the first half of the regular season and helped kickstart Randwick’s winning run.

Tane Edmed – Eastwood

After an injury riddled Super Rugby season, Edmed played consistently throughout the back half of the regular season and reminded everyone just how talented he is. Could be in for a very big 2024.

Jack Bowen – Eastern Suburbs

Spent most of the season with the Junior Wallabies but showed glimpses of his brilliance at the start and end of the regular season.

Connor Winchester – Hunter Wildfire

The competition’s most improved player in 2022 continued to get better in 2023 and led Hunter to the club’s first finals appearance.

Andrew Deegan – Randwick

Deegan was brilliant for Randwick after returning from Japan midway through the regular season. He barely missed a goal from the kicking tee and showed his experience to close out several tight finals matches.