Chad Townsend to join North Queensland Cowboys from 2022

North Queensland Cowboys have signed half-back Chad Townsend from Cronulla Sharks on a three-year deal from 2022.

The 30-year-old has made 182 NRL appearances for New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks over the past 11 seasons. He helped the Sharks win the NRL Premiership in 2016.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said: “We have made no secret of our intentions to secure a senior half after we lost our captain Michael Morgan to retirement.

“We were looking for a composed organising halfback who can steer the team around the park and I believe we have found that in Chad.

“He is a gifted kicker of the football, tackles well and is a strong voice on the field, which were three areas we highlighted when entering the market for a half.”