‘I still feel like I can play at a high level’: Chad Townsend has heard the criticism, but veteran half is ready to prove his value to the Roosters

No team is under more scrutiny this season than the Roosters, but outside pressure isn’t a concern for the man who has been brought in to lead their attack.

Veteran playmaker Chad Townsend knew that he was the third string half when he was signed by the Roosters last year, and while a lot has changed since then, he’s ready to step up and lead an attack that has its doubters following the departure of so many stars.

The 34-year-old is about to enter the 15th season of his career following stints with the Sharks, Warriors, Sharks again, Warriors again and then the Cowboys where he had 21 try assists from 20 games before he was dropped a few weeks out from the finals.

That could have been the end of his career, but Roosters coach Trent Robinson offered him a one-year lifeline that has now turned into an astute signing given Sam Walker and Brandon Smith will miss a large chunk of the season due to injury.

Had Walker not done his knee, Townsend would have been playing NSW Cup, but he now gets the chance to lead the team alongside Sandon Smith after the Roosters failed in their bid to sign Ben Hunt.

Sam Walker’s injury means Chad Townsend will have to play a bigger role for the Roosters in 2025. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“My mindset hasn’t really changed,” he said, ready to accept that Walker will come straight back in when he’s fit.

“I’ve always wanted to toe the line and be here for whatever role coach needs me to play.

“I still feel like I can play at a high level, and that’s why I decided to play on and didn’t retire last year.

“Some things happened that are out of my control, but I’ve always been someone who has tried to focus on things that I can control, and that’s got me to my 15th year in the game.

“I’m just trying to give it everything I can and to be the best player that I can be.”

The Roosters have long held the mindset that “we play for premierships”, but that will be tested this season given they’ve lost Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

It’s led to grave predictions that they’ll slide down the ladder and could miss the top eight, but Townsend isn’t feeling any extra pressure.

“Over the course of my career, I feel like I’ve learnt a lot on how to deal with certain things,” he said.

“Where I’m at now in my life, I’m very grateful for what I’ve experienced and I’m very happy off the field so a lot of the stuff (that’s being said), I don’t let that faze me.

“I wouldn’t say I keep receipts about what people say about me now, but I would say that I’m still very much motivated to not prove people wrong but to prove to myself that I can still do this at a high level.”

Sandon Smith set up a try as a weakened Roosters side went down to the Dragons on Sunday. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Roosters skipper James Tedesco praised his new halfback when asked about his impact at the pre-season launch, but the proof will be in how the halves play, with Townsend and Smith keeping their cards close to their chest in Sunday’s loss to the Dragons.

“I thought we were pretty steady,” Townsend said, having spent the past few months getting to know his five-eighth over coffees and rounds of golf.

“We’ve been working really hard on our combination at training and getting to know each other, which has been great because I really enjoy working with him.

“I’m feeling really comfortable working with him at the moment. There’s some stuff that we didn’t put out (in the Dragons game) that we’ve been practising, but I’m feeling really comfortable with my style of play and his.

“I feel like I can bring the best out of him which is exciting for both of us.”

Originally published as ‘I still feel like I can play at a high level’: Chad Townsend has heard the criticism, but veteran half is ready to prove his value to the Roosters