BARRETT family members Ron, John and Leo Barrett, Mary Hamblin, Joan Bourke and Gaye Barrett and their families have witnessed the presentation of their prestigious shield to the winning team captain for the first 25 years the shield has been contested.

Warwick and Wattles will play in games from 4pm this Saturday at Platz Oval. The A-grade shield game is at 7pm.

The Barrett Family Shield concept was born at a Wattles Rugby League Club committee meeting in 1992 when Wattles club secretary Peter Glass suggested that a perpetual trophy be introduced for the annual pre-season trial between Wattles and Warwick clubs.

Wattles then president Mary Hamblin (nee Barrett) offered a trophy in the Barrett Family's name.

The Barrett name is synonymous with rugby league throughout the southwest Queensland region. The family has strong rugby league links from the national stage to local leagues and the Warwick and Wattles clubs.

The Cowboys won the inaugural Barrett Family Shield game 14-12.

Wattles scored a converted try in the dying minutes to make the score 12-all at full-time.

In five minutes of extra time, Warwick kicked a penalty goal to win the match. Winger Rick McGrady was outstanding with two tries and won the man of the match award.

Michael Barrett, the son of Leo and Theresa Barrett, said winning the Barrett Shield reminded him of the contribution his father's family had made to the game and community.

"I grew up seeing so many other families in both clubs also putting in a lot of time into our respective organisations from mini league up to the seniors,” Michael said.

"It's an honour to have our family name on the shield, and that the Cowboys and Warriors take the time to say thank you.”

Down the years, Warwick has won the shield 14 times, Wattles 10 times and one match was drawn.

Battles between Wattles and Warwick are always tough, whether in the pre-season or fixture games.

Form makes little difference in local derbies; players rise to the occasion.

With confidence in both clubs, who knows, the two Southern Downs clubs might yet meet in the 2018 A-grade TRL grand final.