BARRETT SHIELD: Warwick’s fiercest rugby league rivalry reignites
The fierce contest will light up Father Ranger Oval this weekend, with Warwick fighting to defend the title. MATCH PREVIEW HERE:
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Warwick’s greatest sporting rivalries will be reignited this weekend in the annual Barrett Shield clash.
The Warwick Cowboys and Wattles Warriors will take to Father Ranger Oval on Saturday evening to battle it out for the title, bringing rugby league back to the Rose City for the first time in nearly a year.
After meeting in a pre-season trial carnival at the Wattles’ home Platz Oval last weekend, both clubs are promising to bring their A-game at the weekend’s game.
Cowboys president Dayne Barrett said he was confident the team could defend the title in front of a home crowd.
“They’ll bring the usual physicality and intensity of Barrett Shield – I don’t think there’ll be any disappointments there,” Barrett said.
“Last weekend was a good hitout. We ran a few of our younger players as well, so it was good to see all the boys get a couple of games under their belts.
“We’ve got a few little injury concerns, but nothing too major. We’ve got a lot of local talent in that side and we’ve got a lot of confidence in them.”
MORE WARWICK NEWS:
SPORTS GALLERY: Warwick cricket finals, AFL carnival + more
Best of Warwick: Nominate the Best Brunch now
LEAGUE OF ITS OWN: Stanthorpe carnival brings town to life
WELCOME BACK: 2021 Warwick Show to draw huge crowds
Wattles A-grade coach Travis Burns said while his side was also battling a few injuries to key players, he was certain they would put on a strong performance.
“(Any changes) are no excuse, and every time players pull on that jersey they know there’s a standard that’s expected,” Burns said.
“We always get a good following and there’ll be a great crowd on Saturday. It’s more than a trial game, it’s the Barrett Shield, and both teams take it seriously and will be out there trying to win it.”
The Cowboys ladies’ side will play an exhibition match against Brothers at 2pm.
Barrett Shield kick-off will be at 6.30pm.
Entry to Father Ranger Oval will be $5, with all spectators to complete COVID check-in at the main entry point in front of the clubhouse.
Originally published as BARRETT SHIELD: Warwick’s fiercest rugby league rivalry reignites
Sport shorts: The Darling Downs and South West stories you need to see
Check out our latest instalment of sports shorts where we shine a light on the region’s sporting stories.
REVEALED: The players to watch at Toowoomba Warriors carnival
The Toowoomba Warriors men’s and women’s carnivals will be held over the next two weekends with some of the best rugby league players in the region battling it out for glory. We have shone a light on the top male and female players to watch.
800 NAMES: Every Toowoomba junior cricket batter, bowler ranked
Before our junior cricketers return to the crease for the second half of the Toowoomba cricket season, we have crunched the numbers to rank every star from Stage 1 to Stage 3. Check out our massive database and see where every junior ranks here.
25 in 2025: The TRL stars you need to watch next season
From the players looking to create history to breakout male and female stars we’re shining a light a light on the top Toowoomba Rugby League stars you need to watch in 2025. Find out who made the list from your club here.
POWER 50: The top Darling Downs athletes of 2024 ranked
RANKED: From local heroes to Olympic superstars, we’ve named and ranked the Darling Downs top 50 athletes of 2024. Find out who made the list here.
TRL TALK: What your A-grade club needs to improve on in 2025
REVEALED: We’ve run the rule over every Toowoomba Rugby League A-grade side ahead of the 2025 pre-season to determine what you need to shine. Find out what should be on your club’s wishlist here.