Chad Townsend will give the Warriors some much-needed experience in their spine as part of his mid-season NRL switch from Cronulla.
Warriors coach Nathan Brown claims Chad Townsend’s experience is the biggest boost for the club’s spine after signing him on a four-month NRL contract.
Townsend will be available to play for the 11th-placed Warriors against St George Illawarra on July 2, after confirming he had played his last game for Cronulla.
The 30-year-old had already signed for North Queensland for next year and hasn’t played NRL since being dropped by the Sharks last month.
But he will now add much-needed experience to a Warriors spine that has 18-year-old Reece Walsh at fullback and Wayde Egan at hooker.
Townsend’s partnership with Kodi Nikorima in the halves comes after Chanel Harris-Tavita was ruled out for the season with a pectoral injury.
“Bringing a player of Chad’s calibre and experience back to the club at this time of the year is terrific for us,” Brown said.
“He has impressed as one of the NRL’s most consistent halfbacks throughout his career and he’s a proven performer in big games.
“We’re certainly delighted we’ve been able to sign him and it’s a real positive that he knows our club so well.”
Townsend’s signing all but closes the door on any potential for Gareth Widdop to return to the NRL via the Warrors this year.
It means that if the Englishman were to come back to Australia, it would likely be at Canberra as they search for a replacement for Widdop’s countryman George Williams.
The decision to head across the Tasman leaves Townsend’s final contribution for the Sharks being a match-winning golden-point field goal against the Dragons last month.
The half played 146 games for his junior clubs across two separate stints, headlined by guiding them to their drought-breaking 2016 premiership.
“The nine seasons I’ve spent here at the Sharks has been an incredible journey for myself and my family,” Townsend said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sharks members and fans for their support over that period.
“I leave this club with a lot of wonderful memories, with the club’s maiden 2016 premiership something I will never forget.”
Greg
Roar Pro
You can renegotiate and register a new contract
JVGO
Guest
We have a golf course right across the road too.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Not sure about that Train.Looks like there's gunna be some bargain basement Broncs coming on the Market soon. They always go better when they leave Brisbane.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
getting a bit paranoid there mate.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
So?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
But whose contract? Would already be registered wouldn't it?
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Browny bought some real good players when he was at the Knights but he also bought some out and out duds. Nothing's changed AFB, Walsh and then at the other end DWZ and Townsend one week after the other. Sharks have 2 preferred halfs in waiting Tracey and Trindall
Devil's advocate
Guest
Hmm If anything, I think the Warriors are now in spoon contention. The Sharks have been massively better since Townsend was dropped.
Greg
Roar Pro
Front load a playing contract for this year to have their cap value lower next year
Albo
Roar Rookie
But the Warriors could grab a finals spot at the expense of the Sharks thanks to their new halfback ? That could have Sharks fans a tad cranky ?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
What good is saving money in the cap for the remainder of the season? Almost zero chance of picking up a player of any real value to you.
Nat
Roar Guru
I just don't understand letting these guys go now. The financial benefit is minimal but the reduced depth can hurt. From a Warriors POV, this combo with Kodi might bring out the best in both in attack. Neither can defend so iut'll be how many points they can pile on.
Paul
Roar Guru
yeah, I'm not sure I get the halves situation in T'ville next year. Drinkwater, Townsend & Dearden at least?
andrew
Roar Rookie
Makes you wonder what position he'll be at the Cowboys. Deardon has the inside running. Geez, if Chadwick kicks a field goal for the Warriors against Saints I'll expect Norman to kick a winning 2 point field goal.
Paul
Roar Guru
Not bloody Townsend again? Is he going to win another game against my Dragons with a field goal? :unhappy: Interesting the Sharks don't think they need him at all for the rest of the season. I guess their crystal ball gazers have decided the halves they have won;t be injured at all or lose form. Wonder if I could borrow that ball to work out the Melbourne Cup trifecta?