Chad Townsend Bids Farewell to NRL After 15-Year Career
So, some big news just came out of the NRL world—Chad Townsend, one of the most respected and consistent halfbacks in the game, has officially announced his retirement. He shared the emotional message through his social media, confirming that this 2025 season will be his last in professional rugby league.
Now, if you’ve followed footy even a little over the past decade or so, you’ll know Townsend’s name. He’s had a long and steady 15-year career with over 260 games under his belt. He kicked off his NRL journey with the Cronulla Sharks way back in 2011, had a stint with the New Zealand Warriors, and then returned to Cronulla—where he helped deliver the club's one and only premiership in 2016. That grand final win is a highlight not just for him but for the Sharks’ entire history. He wore the number 7 jersey in that iconic lineup, playing alongside some greats like James Maloney and Michael Ennis.
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Later in his career, Townsend made the move north to join the North Queensland Cowboys, where he became a key part of their resurgence. In 2022, they even made it to a preliminary final with him helping lead the charge. This year, he’s been with the Sydney Roosters—not playing a huge role in the NRL side, more so spending time in the NSW Cup—but he was brought in as a reliable back-up, especially when Sam Walker was out injured.
In his Instagram post, Chad got pretty reflective. He talked about growing up in Yarrawarrah, being that kid waving a flag on the hill, dreaming about just getting a shot in the NRL. He said the game owed him nothing but gave him everything—and that kind of gratitude really hit home. You could feel how much this game meant to him.
His final match in first grade came in a fitting full-circle moment—a game against the Sharks. And while it ended in a loss, it still felt like a proper send-off. Roosters coach Trent Robinson also gave a touching tribute, praising Townsend for his leadership, integrity, and the impact he’s had on younger players even in just one season with the club.
As for what’s next, Townsend isn’t disappearing from the spotlight. He’s already been dabbling in content creation—vlogging, social media, and now possibly media work full-time. So, while he may be hanging up the boots, there’s a good chance we’ll still be seeing a lot of him around the game.
It’s always tough seeing a genuine veteran step away, but there’s no doubt Chad Townsend leaves the game with his head held high and a legacy that will be remembered.
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