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. 

Scrumhalf

Dion Spice – West Harbour

Back at the Pirates, Spice played every match during the regular season and controlled his big forward pack and talented backline well all season. 

Harrison Goddard – Gordon

Goddard split his season between Gordon and the Waratahs but turned the Stags into a 10 point better team every time he turned up at Chatswood Oval. 

Ruan Du Plooy – Manly

One of a number of strong recruits at the Marlins this season, Ryan Du Plooy added class and experience to a young, exciting Manly outfit. 

Nick Duffy – Northern Suburbs 

A stint with the Western Force last summer had Duffy in top shape heading into the 2023 season and he got better with every match he played. 

Rilloy Suesue – Western Sydney

Sparked plenty of the Two Blues’ attack from the base of the ruck and finished third on the top tryscorer list at the end of the season. 

Connor Tupai – Randwick

The Kiwi born No.9 who had played most of his rugby in England prior to this season added further class and spark to the Galloping Greens.