- Made first-grade debut with Cronulla in 2011
- Highlight was premiership with Sharks in 2016
NRL star Chad Townsend has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season with the Sydney Roosters.
In emotional scenes, Townsend told his four children he is hanging up his boots for good come September.
‘Daddy has something he needs to tell you guys,’ the moving Instagram clip began.
‘You know how Daddy plays football….he isn’t going to (play) anymore.
‘It is (now) time for Dad to play with you guys…I am sad, but also really happy.’
Townsend, 34, also told Roosters teammates on Tuesday that he would not be re-signing beyond the end of this year, with the club in camp on the NSW Central Coast.
Footy star Chad Townsend has confirmed 2025 will be his final year in the NRL (pictured, with his wife and four kids)
Townsend is one of only five halfbacks to win a premiership in the past decade (2016, with Cronulla) alongside Nathan Cleary, Jahrome Hughes, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston
The no.7 helped the Sharks break their 50-year drought and lift the NRL trophy for the first time (pictured, with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison)
It means he will go out with at least 268 NRL games to his name, after making his debut with Cronulla in 2011.
Townsend is one of only five halfbacks to win a premiership in the past decade, alongside Nathan Cleary, Jahrome Hughes, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.
The No.7 played a key role in Cronulla’s 2016 success, helping the Sharks break their 50-year drought and lift the trophy for the first time.
‘It’s hard to put into words what this game means to me,’ Townsend said in a You Tube clip reflecting on his career.
‘When I think about the young kid from Yarrawarrah who was footy obsessed, 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. The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything.’
Townsend signed with the Roosters this year, playing the opening month of the season for the Tricolours before being dropped to NSW Cup.
The Roosters have Sam Walker and Hugo Savala slated as their long-term halves, while Daly Cherry-Evans is still expected to join the club next year.
‘Chad’s NRL journey speaks volumes about his character, professionalism and passion for rugby league,’ coach Trent Robinson said.
‘His career is matched by the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field.
‘Although we have only had one season together, Chad’s love for the game and approach to the sport have really stood out.’
