TONIGHT the Warwick Cowboys and Wattle Warriors go head to head in the must-win pre-season game of the year - the Barrett Family Shield.

The A-grade game is sure to be 80 minutes of intense rivalry that will not disappoint with players from both teams agreeing it will be a close match.

"No matter how much pre-season training either of us do it is always a close game and it is almost always raining as well," said Cowboys player Ryan Kinlyside.

"We've all been training really hard three times a week since January.

"We've also been down at WIRAC with their trainers who have been flogging us."

Cowboys player Vincent Mei said their form this year was also due to several team changes.

"We have a better team all round this year," Mei said.

"More players have come back this season with more experience and we have a new coach as well."

First time Barrett Family Shield Warrior players Jordan Henry and Lauchlan Hoey warn that their team is also in fine form.

"We have good team numbers this year and have been working hard towards this game," Hoey said.

"We are focussed on this game and determined to keep the shield."

Henry said the team had been training hard twice a week and are stronger than last year.

"This is going to be a great extra pre-season challenge for everyone," he said.

Rumours have been circulating that former Bronco, Queensland and Australian player Shane Webcke will be donning the Wattles green and gold tonight.

"I've heard whispers and I really hope he is playing," Kinlyside said.

Wattles Rugby League Football Club secretary Angela Van Der Poel said anything was possible.

"I live in hope but the decision is up to him," she said.

Presentations will be made tonight by the Queensland Rugby League Junior president and the Barrett family will be on site supporting.

SUPER SATURDAY:

When

10.30am - Junior games kick off against the Border Bears

4pm - U18s

5.30pm - Reserve grade

7pm - A Grade Barrett Family Shield game

Where

Platz Oval, Clifton.

Admission

Adults - $6

Pensioner - $3

Children under 18 - $3

Children under 16 - free