LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Chad Townsend has spilled the beans about his family being the driving force behind his decision to switch NRL clubs in a move that has sent ripples through the rugby league community.
The seasoned halfback has been a key player for North Queensland, under the guidance of Todd Payten, but his contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, paving the way for a shift to the Roosters in 2025 where he will fill the gap left by the departing Luke Keary.
At 33, Townsend has cemented his place as a leader in the Cowboys team and is eager to continue his playing career next year despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Talks with multiple NRL clubs have already commenced as Townsend contemplates his next move, eyeing a final hurrah in the league.
Rumors swirling around suggest that Townsend's next destination is the Roosters, where he will bring his wealth of experience to the table and mentor young gun Sam Walker.
The veteran halfback, a premiership winner with Cronulla in 2016, is seen as the missing piece in the Roosters' puzzle as they plan for the future.
Cowboys' football chief, Micheal Luck, has confirmed Townsend's departure from the club, attributing it to salary cap constraints and a strategic outlook towards building a competitive team.
The decision has sparked discussions within the rugby league community, with Townsend's impending move adding an extra layer of intrigue to the NRL landscape.