The Toowoomba Rugby League pre-season continued at the weekend with Week 3 of trial matches played across the region.
The annual Barrett Shield between Warwick and Wattles saw the Cowboys win 30-12 in wet conditions.
Warwick delivered on their pre-season training efforts with an impressive display.
Ben Sullivan starred, earning him the prestigious Terry Doyle Memorial best and fairest medallion.
Captain Mick Bloomfield played well and last year’s Under 18 players Kai Herington and Mick Watson announced their arrival into the top grade.
Young Western Mustangs representative Cody Burn also impressed as did Joe Fuimaono.
Coach Phil Economidis was very happy with his side, especially their defensive efforts.
Gun recruit Dan Murphy and winger Dan Watson were rested due to a couple of niggling injuries and may return for this weekend’s final trial match against Kyogle.
For the Warriors, new imports Will O’Grady and Jack Hargraves stood out as did Dylan Wilson and star-signing Travis Burns was solid after playing most of the match.
Wattles are set to play Souths in their final pre-season hit out next weekend ahead of Round 1.
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Oakey travelled to Chinchilla and went down 46-20 to a very good Bulldogs outfit.
Dylan Adamson continued his good pre-season form for Oakey whilst Josh Robinson followed up his Emus form with a sound display.
Coach Tom Friend said whilst they were not at full strength, he was impressed with their attitude.
New recruit Luke Penrose suffered a knee injury and is uncertain to play in Oakey’s next match which will be their Round 1 clash against Brothers in the season proper.
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Gatton hosted the Biloela Panthers and Robina Raptors in their final trial matches of the pre-season.
The Hawks’ top side were too good for the Panthers running our winners, 56-0, whilst Robina won 14-10 against Gatton’s reserves.
The best performers for Gatton were LJ Williams, Daniel Jennings and Denis Burgoyne, whilst Daniel Marsh and new recruit Gerard Tema played well.
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Goondiwindi travelled to Caloundra to take on the Sharks, going down narrowly, 22-20.
The Boars’ best were Carl Clement, Ronnie David, Tyrell McCullough and Parramatta Under 20s recruit, Netane Masina.
The Boars may take on Brothers next weekend but this trial is yet to be confirmed.
In the final pre-season match of the weekend, Valleys travelled to Brisbane to take on their namesake, Valleys Diehards.
Prize recruit Corey McGrady slotted a late field goal to take the win, 17-16.
Apart from McGrady; Jason Sharpe, Liam Capewell and Nick Sargent went well.
Unfortunately, the Roosters suffered a few injuries with Dylan Chown (ankle) racing against the clock to make Round 1, whilst Jock Waters broke his wrist, so his return is unknown.
Halfback Ryan Stevens is in a similar situation with a knee injury and is uncertain to line-up for the Roosters in their Round 1 opener against Souths.
The Toowoomba Rugby League season is set to kick off on Saturday, March 17.
