Sport
26 March, 2026
Wattle Warriors Chase Barrett Shield Success
Wattles Warriors local league torchbearer Travis Burns officially steps into his ninth year as coach of the ‘green & golds’ top graders, and is burning to celebrate the achievement with a Barrett Family Shield success on Saturday evening.
Wattles Warriors local league torchbearer Travis Burns officially steps into his ninth year as coach of the ‘green & golds’ top graders, and is burning to celebrate the achievement with a Barrett Family Shield success on Saturday evening.
After guiding his charges to last season’s Toowoomba Rugby League grand final where they suffered a disappointing hard fought 28 – 12 loss behind the Gatton Hawks, the former NRL star has his first-grade line-up focused on nothing less than a positive 2026 season start.
“The Barrett Shield is a tremendous tradition on the Southern Downs, so highly respected between the Warwick Cowboys and Wattles Warriors clubs and pursued vigorously annually by both,” said the mentor.
In what will be a historical moment Wattles will field four teams across 2026. Commencing with the Barrett Shield program.
President Amanda O’Halloran is excited about the prospect of the Warriors fielding their first ever open age women’s team in the club’s 61-year history.
An added green & gold highlight is that the team will be led by Allora local, Western Clydesdales star and 2025 Queensland Country representative Reagan McMillan.
The club’s encouraging efforts to establish a women’s side for 2023 fell short, but the coming season boasts a competitive outfit impressing at training under experienced Coach Kris Whale.
This Saturday March 28th will see Platz Oval come to life for 2026 as they rumble with traditional neighbouring foes the Warwick Cowboys, the A Grade prize the Barrett Family Shield, the symbol of league supremacy on the Southern Downs.
The Cowboys already have a 2026 run under their belts after the Gold Coast based Helensvale Hornets made their annual trek to Warwick league hub Father Ranger Oval recently to contest pre-season trials.
The renowned Barrett Shield was provided by the Barrett family in 1992 as a prize for the annual Warwick verses Wattles pre-season trial, with the upcoming clash the 34th contest between the two Southern Downs based Toowoomba Rugby League clubs. Over that time Wattles have hoisted the trophy as winners on thirteen occasions, the Cowboys posting nineteen wins, with a solitary draw in 2000.
Wattles are looking to regain the coveted shield after a 34 – 16 convincing loss last year at Father Ranger Oval.
They last claimed the shield in 2024 in steady mizzling rain at home ground Platz Oval. The Warriors challenge for the silverware honours never muddied that evening in what was the 32nd Barrett Family Shield clash, the home side pulling up convincing 22 – 12 victors.
The Warwick Cowboys won that inaugural Shield clash in 1993, 14- 12 in a cracker of a game at Father Ranger Oval.
Wattles crossed for a converted try in the dying minutes to have the scoreboard reading 12 all with full time about to be signalled when the Warwick side added a penalty goal to win the match.
Warwick winger Rick McGrady, who would go on to play at ARL/NRL level, was outstanding on the night, scoring two tries and earning the “Man of the Match” award.
Wattles players among those to stand out included try scoring centre Grant Goodman and fullback and team skipper Steve Miles.
Coach Burns is impressed with his players as they gel for the coming Southern Downs clash on Saturday “we have a mix of some new faces boasting ability and experience in a team structured around the Wattles top grade side that finished so strongly in last year’s TRL finals series.”
The 2026 Toowoomba Rugby League season gets underway on the weekend of April 11th & 12th, with Wattles in action on the Sunday against the Highfields Eagles at Highfields.
The Barrett Family Shield
The Wattles Warriors v Warwick Cowboys Platz Oval, Clifton.
Saturday 28th March.
Open Women - 2.15 pm
Under 19 - 3.30 pm
Reserve Grade - 5.00 pm
A Grade - 6.30 pm
Glyn Rees
