Chad Townsend, the renowned halfback who led Cronulla to its only premiership victory, has announced his retirement from rugby league at the conclusion of the current season. The 34-year-old, who has recently played for the Sydney Roosters but primarily in the NSW Cup, will conclude a distinguished 15-year career that saw him participate in over 260 top-grade matches.
Townsend debuted with the Sharks in 2011 and after spending two years with the Warriors, he returned to Cronulla for a lengthy and impactful stint. He famously donned the No.7 jersey during the Sharks’ historic 2016 title win, sharing the field with notable players like James Maloney and Michael Ennis.
Following his time with the Sharks, Townsend moved to the North Queensland Cowboys, where he played a pivotal role in revitalising the team and advancing to a preliminary final in 2022. He ultimately ended his playing career at Bondi with the Roosters, filling in effectively during a period when the team was missing key player Sam Walker.
In an emotional message shared via Instagram, Townsend expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported him during his journey. He reflected on his childhood dreams, saying, “I am announcing my retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 season. It’s hard to put into words what this game means to me… The game owed me nothing, but gave me everything.”
Looking ahead, Townsend has aspirations to shift into media, having already begun vlogging and engaging on social media prior to his retirement. His final game was a loss against the Sharks, and while it seems he will not return to the NRL this season, Roosters coach Trent Robinson paid tribute to his remarkable career. Robinson highlighted Townsend’s diligence, professionalism, and the respect he has garnered from teammates and coaches alike.
Despite only joining the Roosters for one season, Townsend’s passion for rugby league and contributions to the team’s younger players have made a lasting impression. His legacy within the sport, particularly for the Sharks, will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike.