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. 

Hooker

Andrew Tuala – Hunter

The competition’s top tryscorer and the leader of the best scrum and maul in the competition, Tuala seems to keep getting better with age. 

Jay Fonokalafi – Western Sydney

Fonokalafi ranked in the top 10 for both carries and breakdown steals this season and was routinely one of the Two Blues’ best. 

Wes Thomas – Warringah

While things didn’t quite go to plan for Warringah this season, hooker Wes Thomas continued to show why he’s considered one of the best No.2s in the competition. 

Ed Craig – Eastwood

Features in every match for the Woodies in 2023 and led the strong forward pack around him to a preliminary final. 

Thomas Maka – Gordon 

Recently signed by Moana Pasifika, Gordon hooker Thomas Maka finished third on the top tryscorer list this season with 12 five pointers.