Sport
21 March, 2024
Warriors Out to Win The Barrett Shield
As has been the case since 1993, the Allora-Clifton based Wattles Warriors will battle out the Barrett Family Shield pre-season A Grade rugby league clash against neighbours the Warwick Cowboys this Saturday evening for the right to house the prestigious trophy for the coming year.
The match traditionally ushers in the Toowoomba Rugby League season, this 32nd contest hosted at Clifton’s Platz Oval, supported by pre-season reserve grade and Under 19 trials.
Wattles last hoisted the Shield as victors in 2022, a success that opened the season that led to the club’s fifth A Grade premiership.
The Shield has seen eighteen Warwick successes and twelve to Wattles, with a draw in 2000 at Platz Oval.
Saturday evening’s player of the match will receive the Terry Doyle Memorial Medallion, the award presented since 2011.
To collect their 18th shield last year, the Cowboys rose to the occasion at Father Ranger Oval to overwhelm the Wattles top graders in fierce weather conditions in a 16-4 victory.
The Colin Speed coached top grade Cowboys are coming off a very impressive 28 to 20 trial win over Helensvale last weekend, and he is looking forward to his team being tested in the intensity of a Barrett Shield clash with the 105th TRL premiership commencement closing in on April 6th.
Wattles opened their 2024 TRL campaign with a convincing 24-14 win over the Pittsworth Danes last month with a single team consisting of regular A Graders, Reserve Graders and Under 19s.
It’s been a bittersweet past fortnight for Wattles coach Travis Burns.
On the upside former premiership winning full-back and Toowoomba Rugby League Player of The Year Jackson Green has returned to the Warriors den as a very experienced last line.
However, a significant negative is the loss of representative and premier-ship winning centre Austin Jennings to a season ending knee injury recently in a recent league carnival in Roma.
Wattles have trained well across all grades through the pre-season, and Burns is looking forward to seeing his top combination in action.
“The loss of Austin is very significant, but we can boast plenty of talent depth and the return of Jackson adds so much to our backline firepower,” he said.
Coaches Speed and Burns agree on the point that the opposition in Barrett Shield trials are tough units to roll.
“Our local derbies breed a fierce competitive atmosphere,” Burns said.
“We are certainly looking forward to the Shield clash with Wattles,” Speed said.
“Both sides always lift for this occasion and give their all with respect to the Barrett Family and their association with both clubs.
“This is not your traditional trial game, it’s more like a Round six competition fixture.
“Wattles on their home turf will be tough, but we believe we are up for the challenge and look forward to the game.”
The Toowoomba Rugby League can boast a no more intensely contested encounter in the crank-up for the 2024 season on the Southern Downs.
President Amanda O’Halloran and her committee are expecting an overwhelming crowd at Platz Oval.
Barrett Family Shield and Pre-Season Trials
Platz Oval, Clifton\t
Saturday 23rd March 2024
Wattles Warriors vs. Warwick Cowboys
Under 18 - 3.30 pm
Reserve Grade - 5.00 pm
A Grade - 6.30 pm
- Glyn Rees
