Experienced Cronulla Sutherland premiership winner Chad Townsend has been signed to join the Vodafone Warriors for the rest of the 2021 NRL season.
Boasting 187 NRL appearances, the 30-year-old halfback will immediately link with the club for the second time in his career ahead of the Vodafone Warriors’ 16th-round encounter with St George Illawarra at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford on Friday, July 2 (6.00pm kick-off local time; 8.00pm NZT).
His deal follows confirmation on Monday that New Zealand captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has also been secured immediately to the end of the 2024 season.
“Bringing a player of Chad’s calibre and experience back to the club at this time of the year is terrific for us,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.
“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.”
Chad has impressed as one of the NRL’s most consistent halfbacks throughout his career and he’s a proven performer in big games.
Nathan Brown Vodafone Warriors head coacg
As Vodafone Warrior #186, Townsend made 41 appearances for the club in 2014 and 2015 before returning to Sydney on compassionate grounds.
“The timing couldn’t be better for us being able to sign Chad,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.
Bringing in Chad as well as Dallin gives us enormous experience and leadership
Cameron George Vodafone Warriors CEO
“Bringing in Chad as well as Dallin gives us enormous experience and leadership which will be invaluable for us as we look to resume our season following the bye round.”
Townsend began his NRL career with the Sharks in 2011 but made just 19 appearances in his first three seasons there before establishing himself at the Vodafone Warriors.
In his first season back at Cronulla he helped to guide the club to its first and only title with a stunning 14-12 win over Melbourne in the 2016 grand final.
In his second term with Cronulla he played a further 127 matches.
CHAD TOWNSEND
Born: January 10, 1991
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Junior Club: Yarrawarrah Tigers (Sydney, NSW)
Position: Halfback
Height: 181cm
Weight: 89kg
Previous Clubs: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2011-2013), Vodafone Warriors (2014-2015), Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2016-2021)
NRL Debut: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Brisbane Broncos, Shark Park, Sydney, June 3, 2011 (Rd 13)
NRL Games: 187 (2011-2021)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks: 146 (2011-2013; 2016-2021)
Vodafone Warriors: 41 (2014-2015)
NRL Points: 462 (33 tries, 154 goals, 11 field goals)
Representative: NSW City Origin (2016-2017)
