List: Shute Shield finals 2022 danger men and impact players
They are players who can turn a game on its head with their specialised skills and X-factor. Who the experts rate as the Shute Shield’s most dangerous players.
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They are the men who can turn the momentum of a game with a single pass.
Players who can set up a try with a quickly shuffle and fancy footwork.
Old heads whose patience can win games.
Young legs that can dazzle with their speed and powerful bodies than can take the hard hits.
We’ve talked to those in the know in rugby to see who the game changers and dangermen in the Shute Shield finals series after week one sorted the pretenders from the contenders.
MAX BUREY, NORTHS
Fly half Burey has been a constant in the Norths side this season and a big part of their success.
He also played a major role in their win against Manly in week one of the finals.
“The brothers, they are magic. Max Burey at 10 has been an outstanding. He’s a runner of the ball,’’ said Waratahs forwards coach Pauli Taumoepeau.
HARRY BUREY, NORTHS
Playing side-by-side with his brother, the Burey’s have a special chemistry and cohesion invaluable to Norths this season.
Harry Burey is an inside centre who has been a big part of this inform team.
“Harry is unreal. He can tuck the ball under and just run. He can throw long passes and has a nice mid range kicking game,’’ said Taumoepeau.
TIM CLEMENTS, SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
A well respected and long serving player with the Students.
Clements has experience and turned plenty of heads in the opening week match against Randwick.
“He just hits the line so hard with maximum speed. He’s been fantastic,’’ said Taumoepeau.
BEN DONALDSON, RANDWICK
Fly half Ben Donaldson has been making quite a name for himself in recent times.
He was in the initial Wallabies squad named at Easter and now a seasoned Super Rugby player to be relied on.
“He brings control, his kicking game is good, his open field kick return game is good. He can sense make sense of something in the chaotic,’’ said Taumoepeau.
MAX DOUGLAS, MANLY MARLINS
Left lock and the Ken Catchpole medallist this season.
Douglas is the go-to guy for Manly and dominant come lineout time.
He’s a game changer who can dictate and has a good running game to go with great skills.
“He’s the best player in the competition and his height is exceptional,’’ said Eastwood coach Ben Batger.
TANE EDMED, EASTWOOD,
The Waratahs fly half and playmaker dominates both verbally and physically.
The accuracy of his kicking can win games and change momentum.
His time with the Waratahs has been invaluable and he now has a leadership role with his side which will see him grow further.
“We made him our captain in the first week and he deserved it. He’s only 22 but a real talent,’’ said Eastwood coach Ben Batger.
LANGI GLEESON, MANLY MARLINS
An Australia A’s player who came off the bench for Manly in the first week of finals for immediate impact.
Seen as a real game changer for the Marlins, a relatively young side being coached by Phil Blake.
“When he carries he is so powerful and quick. He did it in clubland, he did it for us. He can change an attack,’’ said Taumoepeau.
“He came off the bench because he’s been injured and was just outstanding.’’
BEN HOUSTON, RANDWICK
Scored a try for Randwick in their devastating two-point loss to Sydney University in week one of the finals.
Has had a breakout year and been leading Randwick with aplomb.
Randwick has hit some great form in recent weeks and Houston is a big part of that.
“He’s central to their set piece come line out time. He’s steady and a good leader,’’ said
Taumoepeau.
JORDY AND HARRISON GODDARD
Another set of brothers making a big impact in Shute Shield.
Jordan is the Gordon captain who was part of Darren Coleman’s Shute Shield winning side back in 20220.
Harrison, a livewire scrumhalf, is back playing after time away at the Melbourne Rebels and the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby (MLR).
Harrison is a game breaker who performs under pressure and his brother a great leader on the field.
“Harrison and his brother just run the show,’’ said Randwick coach Ben McCormack.
BRAD HEMOPO, NORTHERN SUBURBS
A New Zealander who played with Manly Marlins in the past and has now found his home at Norths where he has become one of their most valued players.
Hemopo has the respect of those around him, has great leadership and gives everything to his game.
“He plays hard and can play at six or eight. He’s versatile and that can work to your advantage,’’ said Taumoepeau, who previously also coached Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.
MICHAEL ICELY, EASTWOOD
Left lock who scored in the qualifying finals against Eastern Suburbs in week one.
A Melbourne Rebels backrower and Australian sevens player who brings loads of experience to the game.
He has the talent to stand up under pressure and the ability to change the course of a game.
REECE MACDONALD, GORDON RUGBY
This talented fullback has talent to burn and is influential on the field.
He’s been with Gordon for some time and is one of the most dangerous players in the comp after finishing the regular season as the top points scorer.
“He kicks really well, pops up in the right place in the fight,’’ said Taumoepeau.
ROHAN O’REGAN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Highly respected veteran of Sydney University campaigns.
He’s a good, solid leader with loads of experience but also an exciting player to watch.
“He hits hard, is a smart human, expects perfection, is articulate and does the tough stuff,’’ said Taumoepeau.
DION SPLICE, MANLY MARLINS
A scrumhalf and veteran of the game.
Is expected to have a significant impact in finals footy.
A key part of there puzzle for Manly and a former Pirate.
RATU TUISESE, EASTWOOD RUGBY
Plied his trade in rugby league early, playing alongside young guns including Nathan Cleary and Jerome Luai at the Penrith Panthers.
He was in the Eastwood side that lost to Gorden the last time the Shute Shield decider was contested.
“He can just make something out of nothing, he can break a game open,’’ said Taumoepeau.
MAHE VAILANU, GORDON RUGBY
Hooker who scored a try against Warringah in their week one tussle and highly rated.
Taumoepeau described him as a “game changer who plays with free spirit’’.
“Often you think of something and you’re not going to do it. He thinks of something and does it. He has a crack.’’
“He’s their best player. He’s a freak and you just have to do your best to limit him,’’ said Randwick coach McCormack.
KEMUELI VALETINI, MANLY MARLINS
The Marlins fly-half has turned plenty of heads this seasons.
Has an X-factor which makes him dangerous and exciting.
“He’s a game changer for them. He’s not afraid to take risks,’’ said Eastwood coach Batger
ZAC VON APPEN, SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Right lock and one of Sydney Universities four try scorers in their match against Randwick in the opening round of the finals series.
Strong, solid and according to “abrasive’ according to Taumoepeau after Sydney Uni advanced into the preliminary final with their hard-fought win over Randwick.
CHRISTIAN YASSMIN, RANDWICK
A prolific try scorer with plenty of razzle and dazzle.
Has played some rugby league in the past and has speed to burn and an integral part of Randwick’s attack.
Plays on the right wings and key to their success.
SHUTE SHIELD SEMI-FINALS SCHEDULE
SATURDAY: Manly Marlins v Eastwood at North Sydney Oval 3:10pm
SUNDAY: Randwick v Gordon at Coogee Oval, 3:05pm
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