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.

Locks

John Akauola – Gordon

Ranked in the top three for both lineout takes and lineout steals. Gordon lock John Akauola is a super consistent performer who could be anything if he can stay injury free. 

Phil Potgieter – Southern Districts

Rebels captain Phil Potgeiter never stopped trying throughout a tough 2023 campaign at Souths and finished as a finalist for the Catchpole Medal. One of only two players to play every minute of the 2023 regular season. 

Hugh Bokenham – Sydney Uni

The schoolboy star continues to develop and grow into his body. Bokenham is a consistent performer with a big engine and still has a lot of upside in his game. Can play anywhere in the back five of the scrum if needed. 

Irie Papuni – Western Sydney

Strong at lineout time and hard working around the park, young Two Blues lock Irie Papuni is another developing lock to keen an eye on. 

Cormac Daly – Randwick

The big Irish import helped turn Randwick into a premiership contender, then led them to a breakthrough premiership. Hard as nails with a big engine, Daly should be back playing professional rugby somewhere soon. 

Morgan Innes – Hunter

Ranked in the top 10 for both tackles made and dominant tackles, hard working Hunter lock 

Morgan Inness was a consistent standout in a super impressive Wildfires forward pack.