Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend’s plan to unleash his new partner in crime

CHAD Townsend is ready to have the bulk of the responsibilities of running the Cronulla Sharks side in a bid to free-up star recruit Matt Moylan.

CHAD Townsend is ready to have the bulk of the responsibilities of running the Cronulla Sharks side on his shoulders following the off-season departure of James Maloney.

Townsend — who turned 27 earlier this month — is suddenly the most experienced player in Cronulla’s attacking spine.

He will partner recruit Matt Moylan who may have had a taste of representative experience but is still a novice when it comes to playing in the halves.

Chad Townsend will shoulder the playmaking responsibilities.

The Townsend/Maloney combination had instant success when they led Cronulla to their breakthrough premiership in 2016 in their first season together.

Townsend expects more pressure on his shoulders after the Maloney and Moylan club switch.

“The biggest thing with Jimmy (Maloney) was he had that x-factor but he had a really good kicking game and support play,” Townsend said.

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“He took the line on quite a lot. For me I think it’ll fall on my shoulders in terms of structure and kicking. I’ve been working really hard to make sure my kicking game can be one of the key weapons in my game.”

Townsend does not want Moylan to lose his running game.

“I can organise the team and get our set calls on and Matty can feed off the back of that where he needs to,” Townsend said.

Matt Moylan will partner Townsend in the halves. Picture: Brett Costello

“Matty has the ability to do a number of things. He can slice through the line and has great hands out the back. He can ice a three on two and is good at looking at short sides. He is a good support player. We want him to come and play his game. We don’t want to put too much on him in terms of structure.”

Moylan’s arrival is not the only new combination which needs working on for Townsend. He has been joined on the right side of the field by Josh Dugan.

“Ever since he has come in he has made his mark,” Townsend said. “He has shown some great leadership qualities and his communication is second to none. It’s at an elite level and you can understand why he plays for NSW and Australia. I’m super excited to have him on my side of the field.”

Originally published as Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend’s plan to unleash his new partner in crime