SATURDAY afternoon signals the start of the Toowoomba Rugby League season for local league clubs Warwick and Wattles.

While the first game is at 4pm Saturday, the A-grade teams will run on to Platz Oval, Clifton, at 7pm Saturday to contest the prize for Southern Downs pre-season supremacy, the Barrett Family Shield.

Wattles president Glyn Rees said he was happy to welcome everyone to Platz Oval on Saturday for what has evolved into a 26-year sporting tradition.

"The A-grade game rates among the toughest of the season,” he said.

"The Wattles club is especially keen to welcome the members of the Barrett family, who can take so much credit for the amazing pre-season clash bearing their name.

"While Saturday sees the continuance of a great local rugby league tradition, it is also a day we recognise the wonderful contribution of the Barrett family.”

Warwick Cowboys president David O'Leary said the Barrett Shield was like a pre-season grand final.

"It is a good way to start off the season. Wattles have recruited well so it should be a good hit-out for us,” O'Leary said.

"Our numbers are good at training, now is the time to get serious to show we are going to do something in the TRL this season.

"The Barretts have done a lot for the sport and this is the perfect way to honour their contribution.”

This game heralds the return to Wattles of Travis Burns as A-grade player coach after 202 first-grade games in the NRL and Super League.

"It's brings some special footy memories back having played with the Wattles juniors and progressing to first grade. This will be a footy homecoming of a sort,” Burns said.

Saturday's program

Wattles v Warwick

4pm Under-18

5.30pm Reserve grade

7pm A grade

Record

Barrett Shield

Warwick 14 wins

Wattles 10 wins

One joint win