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.

Fullbacks

Justin Marsters – West Harbour

West Harbour fullback Justin Marsters led the competition in offloads with 39. It was 17 more than the next best player. Marsters also claimed 13 pilfers this season, which saw him ranked equal sixth in the competition. 

Ben Dowling – Randwick

Second behind Yool Yool for most line breaks in the competition, Randwick fullback Ben Dowling was electric all season and showed why he’s so highly rated by the Waratahs.   

Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepens – Southern Districts

Souths recruit Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepens finished his first season in the Shute Shield ranked in the top 10 for carries, running metres, offloads and line breaks. 

Otu Mausia – Western Sydney

Otu Mausia was arguably the best player in the competition through the first half of the season. He played his way in to the Tongan Rugby World Cup squad on the back of his efforts for the Two Blues.  

Ben Marr – Warringah

Back in the Shute Shield after a season with the Aussie 7s, Ben Marr led the competition in running metres and finished the season ranked in the top three for carries, offloads and tackle breaks. 

Nate de Thierry – Hunter

Hunter fullback Nate de Thierry was the third most accurate kicker with the kicking tee this season and electric in attack every time he touched the ball.