‘The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything’: Premiership hero Chad Townsend announces his NRL retirement

Chad Townsend will hang up the boots at the end of the year, with the veteran playmaker to go down as the halfback who ended a premiership drought.

Veteran halfback Chad Townsend has announced he will retire from professional rugby league at the end of the season, with his lasting legacy to be the man who helped the Sharks end their premiership drought in 2016.

Townsend made his debut with Cronulla in 2011 and returned there in 2016 after a couple of years with the Warriors. He played three seasons with the Cowboys via another stint with the Warriors before he joined the Roosters this year.

Townsend has played 268 games and represented City Origin twice, with the 34-year-old to call it quits at the end of the season having played six games for his new club.

Chad Townsend was the halfback to end Cronulla’s premiership drought in 2016. Picture: Craig Golding

“It’s hard to put into words what this game means to me,” Townsend said, with Daly Cherry-Evans expected to take his spot on the roster next year.

“I’d like to thank the Yarrawarrah Tigers for giving me an opportunity to fall in love with this game. The memories and friendships I created at my junior club still live with me today and I am very grateful for that.

“To the teams I played for, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, New Zealand Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters, I am forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to fulfil my dreams of playing in the NRL.

“I’d like to thank all the fans who have showed love and support to me throughout my journey. I have always enjoyed connecting with people through our shared love of rugby league.

“To all my teammates over the years, thank you for being there for me throughout the highs and lows that is the rollercoaster of the NRL. We shared some incredible memories together and this will be the thing I miss the most.

Townsend enjoyed two stints at the Sharks before spending time with three other clubs. Picture: Brett Costello

“To my coaches, football staff and club staff, thank you for all your support throughout my career. I have been lucky to work with some incredible people and build some great relationships.

“To my beautiful wife Marissa and our kids Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu, thank you for your unwavering support throughout my career. You have been there through it all, on and off the field. Every win, every loss, we did it together.

“When I think about the young kid from Yarrawarrah who was footy obsessed, who just wanted to play footy with his mates, who stood on the family hill waving his flag, who had dreams of making it to the NRL and who had to earn everything he got, my heart and soul are filled with love and gratitude.

“The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything.”

Chad Townsend has been an important leader off the field for the Roosters. Picture: Chris Huang / Matrix

Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised the “footy nerd” when he recalled him a couple of weeks ago to play against the Sharks and thanked the retiring halfback for the leadership and guidance he’s provided the club’s emerging stars like Hugo Savala, who has excelled in the halves.

“Chad’s NRL journey speaks volumes about his character, professionalism and passion for rugby league,” Robinson said.

“His premiership-winning career is matched by the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field.

“Although we have only had one season together, Chad’s love for the game and approach to the sport have really stood out.

“As a member of our playing leadership group, he has also been generous with his time, helping to guide and support the younger players in our squad.

“On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Roosters, we congratulate Chad, and we wish him, his wife Marissa and their children Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu all the best for the next chapter that will begin later this year.”

Originally published as ‘The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything’: Premiership hero Chad Townsend announces his NRL retirement