NRL 2021: Chad Townsend Cowboys move restarts Rugby League’s halfback merry-go-round

Chad Townsend’s impending decision to join the Cowboys is set to have a massive domino effect on the NRL, with more clubs set to join the race for Adam Reynolds, writes Paul Kent.

Halves lotto has kicked off in the NRL.

Several years ago the more clever managers in the NRL timed it so their most valuable players came off their deals at the most valuable time and the not-so-clever ones quickly followed.

It was timed for when the new salary cap was set to come in and, invariably, it was the halfbacks who generated most income under the raised cap.

There was something of a feeding frenzy at the time.

In good news, three years on and many of those players are again coming up for negotiation all at the same time and, in a happy circumstance for the managers, it is creating a market effect once again, something like the housing boom.

It is all about the laws of supply and demand and proper game management.

Halfback Lotto is about to begin.

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Adam Reynolds has led the charge for the halves merry-go-round. Picture: Getty Images.

South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds has led the charge, knocked back for a long-term deal at the Rabbitohs and on his current run at Souths is adding about 3 per cent to his value every week.

Reynolds is owning the result, like the good halfbacks do. He kicked the Rabbitohs into extra time last Saturday against Wests Tigers, which ended in victory, which followed a man of the match game the week before against Brisbane.

For reasons no one understands Souths are not prepared to offer Reynolds any more than a one-year extension and so, regrettably for Souths fans, but not his mortgage broker, he goes to market.

Quietly, Reynolds told North Queensland he was not interested in the massive deal presented to him because he preferred not to live in Townsville.

Brought up on the inner-city streets of Redfern, which is about as far from the tropics of Townsville, it is easily understandable.

Reynolds’ no to the Cowboys was Chad Townsend’s bonus.

Chad Townsend’s likely move to the Cowboys will start a domino effect for the halfback market. Picture: Getty Images.

The Cowboys immediately switched focus and presented a deal to Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend and yesterday news broke he was about to leave the Shire.

The deal is believed to be worth $2 million for three years. Drinks are on Chad.

Yesterday, incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon met with Townsend about his future although it seemed futile. He’s gone.

The great halfback merry-go-round has begun, a ride where one decision will likely have a domino effect on the fortunes of many clubs.

It is also a solid example of where the managers, who generally play club officials off a break, will reveal the collective intelligence of each club administration involved.

Panic buying seems to be a trademark at some clubs. Afraid they might be left with nothing, they happily spend $850,000 on a half who might be worth half that, and then sell it to fans like your old man trying to sell you the old brown Commodore.

Some clubs have been labouring under these circumstances since the last merry-go-round.

Townsend’s departure for Townsville will set it all in motion.

Mitchell Moses has an option in his favour at Parramatta, but could still head to the open market. Picture: Getty Images.

For starters, it immediately shifts the Sharks’ thinking about re-signing Shaun Johnson. Johnson was chasing a two-year $1.6 million deal but the club had privately agreed to offer a one-year $400,000 deal.

Are the Sharks, at the risk of being left without a half at all, prepared to change their mind?

Or do they shift focus to Reynolds, who in the search for a long-term deal has been linked to the Sharks and Brisbane Broncos?

Meanwhile, it remains halfbacks and cheque books at 20 paces.

Mitch Moses has until round 10 to activate a clause in his Parramatta contract but could benefit, financially at least, by expiring the clause and going to market.

The Eels look extremely settled in the halves but it could all soon change, depending on Moses’ next move.

What if they fear losing Moses?

Patience will be key in some negotiations while, in others, speed remains crucial.

The Cowboys missed out on Reynolds but the Broncos could be in contention for the Souths playmaker. Picture: Liam Kidston

One club said to be an option for Reynolds is Brisbane, who have Anthony Milford out of favour and rookie halves Tom Dearden, who is also off contract, and Brodie Croft steering the side.

Newcastle’s Mitch Pearce chose to extend for another season earlier this year, perhaps taking what was on offer with Jake Clifford set to arrive at the club next season and fellow playmaker Blake Green also off contract this season.

Other halves off contract this season include Corey Norman, Kieran Foran, Ash Taylor, Scott Drinkwater, Cooper Johns, Ryley Jacks, Will Smith and Milford.

Trying to predict where each player could end up is pointless. Too much depends on who has what and for how much.

The big winner could well be Sam Walker.

Having only recently begun shaving Walker, 18, is already announcing himself as a potential superstar and is also off contract at season’s end.

They say all the great ones have great timing.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Chad Townsend Cowboys move restarts Rugby League’s halfback merry-go-round