Old rivals ready for pre-season grudge match

WARWICK are prepared for war in their annual Barrett Shield clash with Wattles tonight.

OLD FOES: Wattles are the current holders of the pre-season Barrett Shield, which will be contested tonight. Photo: Nev Madsen

RUGBY LEAGUE: It might be a trial match, but there will be plenty of feeling when two traditional rivals collide tonight.

Wattles is set to host Warwick in the latest instalment of the Barrett Shield at Platz Oval.

Currently the Warriors have their name etched on the trophy courtesy of a 34-10 victory, their first success in the fixture since 2014.

However it is Warwick that holds bragging rights between the Southern Downs sides, with the Cowboys blitzing their rivals in last year’s qualifying final.

“We’re still in trial games but this never seems to feel like one. It’s something we take pretty seriously,” Cowboys coach Matt Grew said.

“It’s one of the best game atmospheres of the year, and the crowd gives it a semi-final feel, so we’re really looking forward to it.”

The fixture commences the Cowboys pre-season ahead of a trial against Kyogle next week, and Grew said he would be looking to go as close to full strength as possible.

“You want to keep blokes fit for the start of the season, but this is the time when you need them playing footy,” he said.

“We want to hit round one with some match fitness.

“I’ll be looking to try and put out a full strength run-on side if I can, and for them to play the majority of the game.

“We want to focus on defensive efforts and having the numbers in here.

“I might be biased, but I think we were one of the better, if not the best, defensive side in the comp last year.

“With the ball we want to build our consistency and combinations before we get too far ahead of ourselves.”

One player tipped to have a big impact for Warwick in 2020 is outside back Mitch Watson, who caught the eye for the TRL All Stars last weekend.

“Mitch is an exceptional young footballer and we’re yet to see the best of him,” Grew said.

“I’ve been involved with him since the U18s and I’ve seen him get better every year. It’s exciting to see what he can offer the side this year.”

Action commences in Clifton from 6.30pm, with the U18s and reserve grade fixtures taking place prior.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Valleys and Southern Suburbs will face off at Herb Steinohrt Oval from 5.30pm.

Both sides were last seen two weeks ago, with Valleys going down to Beenleigh Pride, while Souths were defeated by Goondiwindi.

After an impressive showing against Ipswich Brothers a fortnight ago, Highfields will look for a repeat performance at Kuhls Rd.

They host the visiting Tugan Sehawks from the Gold Coast competition, with kick-off at 4.30pm.

Dalby is looking to end its pre-season on a high when hosting the Brighton Roosters at Dalby RLFC from 4pm.

The Diehards come into the fixture with wins over the Wheatmen and Jandowae Fishhooks in recent weeks.

Goondiwindi has looked the goods with strong showings against Souths and at the Border Knockout.

They get the chance to head into the regular season on a high when hosting West Mitchelton at Gilbert Oval at 7pm.

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