Tributes flow around NRL world after premiership-winner Chad Townsend announces retirement

NRL fans and pundits are paying tribute to Chad Townsend after the veteran halfback confirmed he'll retire at season's end. The 34-year-old took to social media on Tuesday to announce the news, which was expected but never officially confirmed until now.

“It’s hard to put into words what this game means to me,” Townsend wrote over a photo with his family. “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."

Chad Townsend won a premiership at Cronulla in 2016 (R) and finishes his career at the Roosters (L). Image: Getty

Townsend paid tribute to his family, friends and teammates, adding: “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. 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 management, Gavin and Chris at Pacific Sports Management, we have shared a long journey together. Thank you for your guidance and support throughout my entire NRL career.

“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.”

Chad Townsend remains a cult hero for Sharks fans. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

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Townsend spent the majority of his 15-year NRL career at Cronulla, playing 146 games for the Sharks and helping the club win their maiden premiership in 2016. He remains a cult hero amongst Sharks fans after playing halfback in that grand final victory over the vaunted Melbourne Storm.

He also had two stints at the New Zealand Warriors, and played 70 gamed for North Queensland from 2022 to 2024. He signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters for 2025, and it was widely expected to be his final season in the NRL.

Chad Townsend has played six games at NRL level in 2025. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Townsend started the year as the Roosters' starting halfback, but was dropped to reserve grade in Round 6 after the emergence of Hugo Savala. The Roosters' singing of Townsend was largely around helping develop young halves Savala, Sandon Smith and Toby Rodwell.

The 35-year-old was recalled to NRL level in Round 20 against Cronulla, but coach Trent Robinson later admitted it was a mistake after the Roosters' 31-18 loss. Altogether he's played 268 first-grade games, and represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2018. 

He also played two games for the City Origin team before the concept was scrapped. Tributes have been flowing for Townsend on social media, with many praising his career of perseverance and determination.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo Sport Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/tributes-flow-around-nrl-world-after-premiership-winner-chad-townsend-announces-retirement-033423780.html

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