New Warriors signings Dallin Watene-Zeleniak, Chad Townsend ready to take on Dragons

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has opened up about his surprise exit from the Bulldogs, as new Warrior Chad Townsend revealed his shock at being dumped by Cronulla.

2021 NRL Round 05 - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm, Stadium Australia, 2021-04-10. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak picture by Robb Cox/ NRL Photos

New Warriors signing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has revealed Canterbury have not given him an explanation as to why he fell out of favour at the Belmore club.

The 25-year old was released from the final 18 months of his deal with the Bulldogs to join the Warriors until the end of 2024.

Speaking for the first time since joining the New Zealand club, Watene-Zelezniak believes Canterbury’s poor form and desire to bolster its roster with star signings ultimately cost him his spot at the Bulldogs.

“I didn’t have time to process it and didn’t think it will come. That’s footy I guess. I’m guessing it was a business decision, that’s what it usually is,” the Kiwi international said.

“The Bulldogs have been losing games, they have to sort things out. I understand how footy works, I’ve been around for a while now. When you’re team is not doing well you have to find ways to free up money in the cap and find ways to buy [players].”

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in action for the Bulldogs earlier this season. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“All these things that happen, they take away from the reasons you play footy and that’s because you loved it as a kid.

“I’m living my childhood dream just in different colours now, colours that I have dreamed of putting on.”

It’s a similar scenario for fellow signing halfback Chad Townsend, who returns to the Warriors after mid-season release from Cronulla.

Townsend was frozen out of the Sharks starting side after kicking the winning field goal in golden point against St George Illawarra in round 11.

It’s a decision from Sharks coach Josh Hannay that left Townsend scratching his head.

“I was pretty surprised when I wasn’t selected the week after I kicked the field goal. For me, I’d probably be the first person ever to kick a field goal in golden point and then not be selected the week after,” Townsend said.

Chad Townsend was sent packing after winning a game for Cronulla off his own boot. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“I’ve departed the club amicably, it’s time for me to move on and I really wish those boys and the club all the best in the future.”

Townsend, who played 41 games for the Warriors between 2014-15, is expected to line-up in the halves alongside Kodi Nikorima in Friday night’s clash against the Dragons.

Watene-Zelezniak also declared himself available for selection after overcoming a foot injury.

The flyer picked up the injury in Magic Round and has been receiving pain killing injections just to get onto the field but has only managed two games since round 10.

It’s expected Watene-Zelezniak will be selected on the wing, which would likely see Adam Pompey drop out of the 17 with fellow former Bulldog Marcelo Montoya shifting into the centres.

Euan Aitken and Josh Curran will be unavailable for the next two weeks as they undertake 14 days isolation after being on the same flight as a Covid positive case. Curren has returned a negative Covid result, while Aitken is awaiting the outcome of his test.

Originally published as New Warriors signings Dallin Watene-Zeleniak, Chad Townsend ready to take on Dragons