Rival club wants Sharks star Chad Townsend to move clubs immediately

An NRL club is reportedly preparing to make a move on Sharks star Chad Townsend in a play that would see him quit Cronulla immediately.

Chad Townsend could have three teams in 10 months.

The Warriors are reportedly preparing to make a play to sign Chad Townsend for the remainder of the 2021 NRL season.

In a shock move, the Warriors are set to approach Cronulla about the prospect of the halfback joining the Kiwi team for the rest of the season.

It comes after Townsend earlier this year signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys, reportedly worth up to $2 million dollars, giving North Queensland a 2022 halves pairing of Townsend and Tom Dearden.

The Telegraph first reported the Warriors want Townsend to join them on a short term contract before the August player transfer deadline.

The Warriors are fully stretched for playmakers, having lost Chanel Harris-Tavita (pec) and Paul Turner (shoulder) for the rest of the season.

Townsend’s move would see him join current halves Kodi Nikorima and Sean O’Sullivan for a few months.

Chad Townsend has been a loyal servant of the Sharks.

The move would see Townsend play for three clubs in the space of around 10 months.

The 30-year-old has fallen out of favour at the Sharks and is playing reserve grade after his decision to quit the club.

The Sharks and Cowboys were reportedly considering a player swap to make the move happen earlier, but they are yet to agree on a suitable player.

According to reports, Townsend’s decision to join the Cowboys was partly motivated by the club’s decision to terminate coach John Morris earlier this season before appointing Roosters assistant Craig Fitzgibbon to the top job, beginning at the end of the 2021 season.