Not many players get the chance to lead their local club to an NRL premiership.
But Chad Townsend is one of the lucky few, with the halfback extending his stay back home in the shire for a further three years.
The 26-year-old has re-signed with the club until the end of the 2020 season with Townsend joining grand final heroes Valentine Holmes, Matt Prior, Sosaia Feki and Wade Graham in committing their futures to the club.
Townsend, a Yarrawarrah Tigers junior, was an integral part of Cronulla’s premiership-winning side, helping to lead the team around the field in his first season back at the club after a stint with the New Zealand Warriors.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said he was confident Townsend would continue to develop and that his best football was still in front of him.
“Chad is a local junior, a member of our premiership-winning team and a very important member of our side,” he said.
“While James Maloney and Chad are different types of players they work really well together and Chad is still relatively young and has some of his best football in front of him.
“We’re pleased he has re-signed and look forward to him continuing his improvement and development over the next few years.”
Townsend played junior representative football at Cronulla before making his NRL debut in 2011.
Townsend, who has played 95 NRL games, was delighted to remain at the club.
“On the back of last year and what it meant to the fans, members and to the community, to represent this club and to be from this area is something I hold very close to my heart,” he said.
“I’m very happy to secure my future for the next three years and excited to be a part of the club moving forward.”