Memorial game for beloved Cowboy this weekend

WARWICK and Wattles will play local derby in memory of well-loved footballer.

Basil Nolan (white shorts) plays for Warwick. Picture: Bev Lacey

RUGBY LEAGUE: The late Basil Nolan Jr will be remembered on Saturday night when the first memorial game is played between Warwick and Wattles A-grade sides at Father Ranger Oval at 6.30pm.

Nolan Jr played in the Warwick Cowboys grand final team in 1999 and was selected in the club team of the decade.

He died in a farm accident in November.

Cowboys president Dayne Barrett said Nolan Jr was an inspiration to the club in some tough times.

"The club meant a lot to him. Every time we saw each other, he would start talking about the Cowboys,” Barrett said.

"Basil had agreed to be part of the Warwick Cowboys Football Committee this season before his accident.”

The shield will be contested in the first TRL fixture game between the two A-grade sides each season.

In the major change to a fortnight ago, Warwick will welcome the return of Matt Marshall to the back row.

Warwick coach Matt Grew was happy with the effort of the A-grade side at training last week.

"Harry Sullivan and Kieran Fender are two players who lined up in reserve grade on Barrett Shield day who are pressing for A-grade selection,” Grew said.

Hooker Ben Sullivan returns after leaving the field with a head knock in the Barrett Shield game. Mick Bloomfield will be Warwick captain and goalkicker in A-grade.

Saturday program: 2.10pm Warwick v Stanthorpe in second division, 3.30pm Warwick v Wattles in under-18, 5pm Warwick v Wattles in reserve grade, 6.30pm Warwick v Wattles in Basil Nolan Memorial Shield in A grade.

Originally published as Memorial game for beloved Cowboy this weekend