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Sydney’s Shute Shield competition is now through its 6th week of the season and players with Major League Rugby connections continue to make an impact. There are now nearly a dozen who have made an appearance, with a prominent new name showing up just a week ago.
Paddy Ryan starred for the San Diego Legion during the 2019 season before returning to Japan. The former Wallabies prop was a surprise starter for Sydney Uni in their narrow Round 5 defeat to Southern Districts. Wearing the No3 opposite was Seattle stalwart Tim Metcher, who has now started four of their five games. Utah hooker Sama Malolo has not played for Districts since the opening round.
Houston SaberCats pair Mathew and Niko Faoagali have seen limited action as replacements for Penrith, but Van Stewart has started every game for Manly. Austin-linked James Hilterbrand has also been in every Marlins lineup, starting the first five games and named in the reserves this past weekend.
NOLA hooker Lindsey Stevens was handed his first start of the season for Eastern Suburbs in their win over Norths in Round 6. He came off the bench in the first three games of the season. Lining up for Norths was former Free Jacks flanker Brad Hemopo, who has scored two tries in his five starts.
Old Glory fans will be keeping tabs on two players. Loosehead prop Jake Turnbull has played in all six games for Randwick, starting five. DC co-captain Mungo Mason is one of the form players in the competition, scoring three tries in six starts for Warringah. This past weekend he ran out at No8, otherwise he has been the first choice No7 for the Rats.
