With the Shute Shield and Super Rugby seasons over and the NRC fast approaching, the five professional franchises around Australia will soon begin their 2017 campaigns. For the Waratahs, there is plenty of work to do following a number of high profile departures again this year.

The 2014 Super Rugby champions have lost Kurtley Beale, Wycliff Palu, Ben Robinson, Dave Dennis, Jeremy Tilse, Sam Lousi, Matt Carraro and Zac Guildford. Cameron Orr and Henry Clunies-Ross have both moved on after spending 2016 in the extended playing squad, while Tatafu Polota-Nau is rumoured to be on the move as well.

Sekope Kepu and Taqele Naiyaravoro have both resigned after stints overseas and forward Michael Wells has returned from the Brumbies. Sevens star Cam Clark has also been linked to Moore Park in 2017, however that still leaves quite a few spots to fill on the Tahs roster.

The most obvious place to start is the current extended playing squad. Halfback Jake Gordon, locks Senio Toleafoa and Ryan McCauley, flyhalf Andrew Deegan and outside back Harry Jones all look ready for Super Rugby and could be promoted to the senior squad.

But the Waratahs will still need to recruit a handful of players to add depth in several positions, particularly lock and centre.

Rugby News has selected a few Shute Shield stars that appear ready to take the next step in their careers.

Irae Simone – Northern Suburbs 

Auckland born Simone was brilliant for Norths this year, particularly towards the back end of the season. The 21-year old former New Zealand Schools centre spent two seasons with the South Sydney Rabbitohs before heading to Norths this year and picked up the Shute Shield rookie of the year award last week.

Lachlan Swinton – Sydney Uni

In his first year out of school, 19-year old Lachlan Swinton was outstanding for Sydney Uni this year and will play plenty of Super Rugby in due time. Physically, the lock didn’t look out of place in Saturday’s Shute Shield grand final, however he may benefit from another year in club rugby.

Ed Gower – Manly

If the Waratahs are looking for a player ready to play Super Rugby in round one next year, they could look at someone like Manly lock Ed Gower. The 27-year old spent time in the UK with Saracens during last year’s World Cup and is physically ready to play rugby at the next level.

Rory O’Connor – Warringah

22-year old Warringah prop Rory O’Connor spent time with the Waratahs this year and has continued to develop nicely.

Will Miller – Northern Suburbs

Yes, the Waratahs have plenty of depth in the backrow but after the season Miller had this year, wouldn’t it be great to see him get the attention he deserves?

Apo Latunipulu – Southern Districts

Latunipulu missed the first half of this season with a knee injury but showed just how good he is in the run towards the finals. The 24-year old was outstanding in Southern Districts semi-final win against Randwick and scored two crucial tries when marked by current Waratahs centre Dave Horwitz.

Will Munro – Randwick

Randwick lock Will Munro had a breakout season for the Galloping Greens this year and appears to have learnt plenty from playing alongside some of Randwick’s more experienced forwards.