RUGBY LEAGUE: Warwick has missed out on the charge of a playoff in A-grade rugby league after a 36-20 loss to Highfields at Father Ranger Oval.

It was one from two in the playoff stakes for the Warwick Cowboys as the two senior teams went into Sunday's fixtures aiming to be in playoff for finals spots. Warwick will play Souths in a reserve-grade playoff for sixth midweek.

Highfields winger Aaron Hooper used his pace to skirt down the grandstand touchline to score after four minutes in A grade. Soon after Warwick levelled through the first of three tries to young winger Kai Etherington.

The score was 8-all after 26 minutes before Highfields scored three tries in 12 minutes to lead 26-8 at half-time.

One of the tries was an outstanding effort by Hooper who made a long break down the grandstand touchline and then kicked infield to regather and score.

The Cowboys' season was on the line and they trailed 26-20 with 17 minutes to go in the second half and gave it everything.

Highfields fullback Blake Appo cross kicked in the 74th minute of the game for Hooper to score wide out to secure the win.

Highfields scored a late converted try for a 36-20 win.

Warwick coach Craig Mullaly said the final 15 minutes of the first half cruelled his side.

"We were getting tired and they put on three tries which hurt us a bit,” Mullaly said.

"Our team struck pretty well to Highfields in the second half.”

After the game, Highfields coach Gus McKellar said he was happy with the second part of the first half.

"We fell in a bit of a hole in the second half but were pretty good defensively towards the end of the game,” he said.

While ball security was a concern to McKellar, he was happy to see his chargers finish their last four sets in the game.

He rated back rower Conor Nolan and Cameron Sweedman as his best.

Highfields will play Wattles in a knockout final this weekend and McKellar's main injury concern is five-eighth Nick Bainbridge.

Prop Darren Pettiford was the best for Warwick.

Aden Howard debuted in A grade and come off the bench at hooker in a good first-up performance.

If Warwick could have won, there would have been a three-way playoff for sixth in A grade as Souths set up a playoff with Gatton after a 34-30 win at Gatton.

In A grade at Clifton, Valleys beat Wattles 33-26.