Sport
2 April, 2026
Warriors bring Barrett Shield back to Platz Oval
Saturday evening’s Barrett Family Shield clash in magnificent rugby league weather at Clifton’s Platz Oval between host club the Wattles Warriors and the Warwick Cowboys was as usual a clash of the titans for Southern Downs pre-season league supremacy.
However, the Wattles supporter contingent of a sell-out crowd was thrilled as the home side emerged 32 to 18 victors regaining the Shield lost last year, on the tail of a domineering performance by front row giant Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard.
The towering Kiwi bookend who can boast NRL club and Hostplus Cup experience received the prestigious Terry Doyle Memorial Medallion as player of the match for his performance, from Wattles president Amanda O’Halloran.
The match was the Wattles club’s first hit out of the new season, and while the initial forty minutes of the A Grade clash had coach Travis Burns looking for some deep inspiration for his team at the break, at full time he was thrilled after Wattles’ mighty second stanza fightback.
The Cowboys were dominant in the early stages, two tries by Ben Howard saw them snatch a 12 – 0 lead after sixteen minutes and hold their advantage until Wattles classy centre Jesse Yallop crossed wide out on the cusp of half time.
Warwick commenced the new half ahead 12 – 4, and improved their standing eight minutes later when impressive lock forward Nick Halalilo touched down for an 18 – 4 lead.
The contest appeared to turn on a dime when Wattles centre Lachlan Henry found open space in the grandstand corner to keep his side in contention.
With the Henry try lighting the wick, the home side ran in three touchdowns in seven minutes with top grade debutant Paddy Denny and back-rower Manny Tuimavave-Garred also cashing in and Wattles easing to a vital 26 – 18 lead.
National touch football representative and green and gold fullback Lachlan Watt showed his skills and speed adding another two Wattles tries, with just five minutes until full time.
The Warriors effort to score 28 unanswered points in the final 23 minutes proved a game saver for them after the dominant Cowboys’ start.
Fullback Ono Sooialo, centres Dom Macumboy and Carson Kaho. along with five-eighth Ben Howard and ever reliable skipper Dan Conn were among those to impress for Warwick.
Front-rowers Adam Tuimavave-Gerrad and Cooper Tate-Roche, fullback Lachlan Watt and former Burdekin Roosters centre Jesse Yallop were among the Wattles band to stand tall.
It was certainly a massive day for young Under 19 qualified Paddy Denny and Atticus Sullivan who lived up to coach Burns’ expectations in their A Grade debut.
Wattles 32 (Lachlan Watt 2, Jesse Yallop, Lachlan Henry, Paddy Denny, Manny Tuimavave-Gerrard tries; Tom Hatch 2, Kai Duggan 2 goals) defeated Warwick 18 (Ben Howard 2, Nick Halalilo tries; Caleb Murphy 3 goals).
RESERVE GRADE
Alas, the Reserve Grade match was terminated with 21 minutes remaining due to a concerning injury to Wattles player Josh Henry, who, we can happily say, is now well on the mend.
At that stage the 2025 TRL premiership reigning Cowboys were leading 10 – 6 in a hotly contested encounter.
The Cowboys were first on the scoreboard through centre Harrison Norris to lead 4 – 0 after nine minutes.
Both sides swapped tries late in the first half, winger Ratu Nakorotiagilagi for Wattles and a second for Warwick by back-rower Haydn Ramauti.
Hard working Caleb King, front-rower Mitch Duff and club new face three-quarter Ratu Nakorotiagilagi impressed for Wattles.
Warwick coach Sam Williamson was happy with the efforts of his side across the board saying it was heading to be a good game, with lots of positives to take out of the match.
Hooker Damian Beresford, Haydn Ramauti and Harrison Norris shone for the Cowboys.
Warwick 10 (Harrison Norris, Haydn Ramauti tries; Jamaine Smith goal) defeated Wattles 6 (Ratu Nakorotiagilag try; Koby De Luca goal)
UNDER 19
The Under 19 clash was a closely fought tussle to commence the Barrett Shield program on Saturday, the result falling Warwick’s way 26 – 22.
Cowboys coach Matt Collins was proud of his players effort fighting hard in a tough game to get the win.
“We still have a bit of work to do around fitness and discipline but it’s early in the season,” he said.
Wattles mentor Cameron Hamblin thought his side put together a great first up match effort.
“The game was just our second run together in the whole pre-season, but plenty to do yet,” Hamblin said.
Warwick 26 (Eli Costello 2, Kihan Marshall, Riley Wainwright, Reelon Jarrett tries; Reelon Jarrett 2, Maz Doyle goals) defeated Wattles 22 (Ben Barbierato 3, Nick Sweet tries; Ben Barbierato 3 goals)
In their opening round of the 2026 TRL season, Wattles head to Highfields to take on the Eagles on Sunday April 12 at the Kuhl Road Sports Complex.
- Glyn Rees
