With the Waratahs set to miss the Super Rugby playoffs and the Australian Sevens and U20s programs finished, a host of representative players could be on their way back to the Shute Shield to play a part in the pointy end of the season.

Although there are seven Shute Shield rounds remaining, the Waratahs play just two more matches, while after this weekend’s Test against Italy, the Wallabies don’t play until late August.

While the availability of some of the stars is still unknown, there are quite a few names below that will get Shute Shield fans excited and opposing coaches nervous.

Representative players are eligible to play finals matches if they have played two regular season games, however each side must not exceed the “100 point cap” in any match.

From the outlook Randwick, Sydney Uni and Norths appear to be the big winners, while a handful of other clubs look set to pick up some big names that could spark their premiership run.

Randwick

Let’s start with the most exciting name on the list. Although Kurtley Beale is currently lying on a beach in Spain, he is expected to return to Australia for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash in August. Considering he played his last match in mid May, it’s not ridiculous to think that he may need some game time in the coming months and Randwick may be the ones to benefit.

The Galloping Greens are also expected to pick up XVs convert Henry Hutchison, Waratahs Dave Horwitz and Andrew Kellaway and potentially Wallabies rookie Ned Hanigan for a game or two. Randwick may also pick up Mitch Short from the Force or Harrison Goddard from the Australian U20s to play halfback.

Sydney University

The Students will also benefit from the Waratahs spacious schedule in the coming months and could have either Nick Phipps or Jake Gordon in the No.9 jersey at times ahead of the Rugby Championship. Dave McDuling and Paddy Ryan will likely return from the Waratahs and Tom Robertson and Tolu Latu may also need some game time.

Sevens flyer Tom Kingston will also be back at Camperdown, as will Australian U20s backrower Lachlan Swinton. Western Force lock Matt Philp may also be available after a brilliant Super Rugby season.

Northern Suburbs 

Norths may have lost four of their last five games but there is plenty of light at the end of the tunnel in North Sydney. Simon Cron returns from Georgia this week and Hugh Sinclair and Will Miller have both finished their stint in Melbourne with the Rebels.

The Shoreman are also expected to pick up Cam Clark, Bryce Hegarty, Irae Simone, Angus Ta’avao and Michael Wells from the Waratahs.

Manly

Waratahs halfback Matt Lucas has been linked to a move overseas at the end of the 2017 season but he’ll return to Manly Oval first to help the Marlins attempt to break their premiership drought.

Unlike some of their rivals, the competition leaders won’t be making a number of changes to their side in the coming weeks, which should help with continuity heading into the playoffs.

Eastwood

The Woodies have a favourable run towards the finals, playing four of their final five matches at TG Millner and they’ll have Damien Fitzpatrick and Hugh Roach available to shore up their front row.

Southern Districts 

Former Southern Districts skipper Jed Holloway is expected to return to Forshaw to help the Rebels get their campaign back on track.

Souths have also picked up Alex Gibbon and Conor Mitchell from the Aussie Sevens program.

Warringah

Warringah are expected to remain mostly unchanged in the coming weeks but could get access to Aussie Sevens stars Boyd Killingworth and Michael Adams.

Eastern Suburbs

After spending time in Wallabies camp ahead of the opening Test, flyhalf Mack Mason will return for the Beasties and will be joined by Australian U20s lock Ryan McCauley for the run towards the finals.

Gordon

Gordon backrower Jack Dempsey played half a match for the Highlanders before he joined the Waratahs and then Wallabies camp and he may return to Chatswood to pick up some match fitness. Aussie Sevens back Brandon Quinn may also return.