Tributes flow around NRL world after premiership-winner announces retirement
'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."
He added: '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.'
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NRL world pays tribute to Chad Townsend's career
Townsend spent the majority of his 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.
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.
Congratulations on a great career Chad 👏Chad will retire from Professional Rugby League at the end of the 2025 Season ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7lJTvdGuyM
— Sydney Roosters 🐓 (@sydneyroosters) July 29, 2025
After 268 games in the NRL, Cowboy No.301 @chadtownsend10 has today announced he will hang up the boots at season's end. Congrats on an amazing career and all the best in retirement, Chaddy! pic.twitter.com/QIpU7E1OZQ
— NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) July 29, 2025
Congrats on a great career legend
— Tony (@TonyMur52735441) July 29, 2025
Best wishes Chad.
— Mark Wright (@crustybakerinoz) July 29, 2025
Amazing Career Chad hold your head up brother I'm a Brisbane fan but what you did for the warriors and over in Auckland was nothing short of amazing truly grateful and sincere enjoy the season go hard my brother love and blessings 🙌🏽❤️
— Lennox 𓁻 (@zaapN_) July 29, 2025
Crongrats on a mighty fine career CT. Had experiences a lot of FG players won't have and you squeezed playing wise the most out of your game but also understood the game, off field and building a brand. You have done that and will continue to thrive in future years. Best wishes
— ⚫️⚪️🔵Michael ⚫️⚪️🔵 (@bigmig81) July 29, 2025
Feel like this is the perfect time to share my Chad Townsend era as a teen. To say I was a bit of a fan is an understatement 🤣 @chadtownsend10 pic.twitter.com/6Azn0igzt1
— CJ (@CJSharkies) July 29, 2025
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