Chad Townsend

[Batemans Bay Rooster]

Who's to say we won't be using one of the young guys for a few games?
We didn't sign Townsend to play half a season while Sammy is out. Unfortunately the Roosters injury jinx hit us late in the season after we signed him.
I believe he will add value mentoring our young halves now that Keary is gone. I'm sure that was the reason he was signed.
He might start the season but if we aren't winning games Elliot might get a few games.

But isn't it lucky that we do have him given Sam's injury? Recruitment is to cover for injuries, esp in the halves. Townsend's a 260 gamer, in the halves, when we now have only young kids, and our best half, who's also a young kid, is out for half the season?

I'll never understand the incessant drive for so many on here to write off our players often before they've even played, or just because they aren't a highlight reel flashing light player. This guy has played 262 first grade games for gods sake. We effectively have no halves, except for Sandon. And this isn't a good signing? Seriously.

[Bates]

But isn't it lucky that we do have him given Sam's injury? Recruitment is to cover for injuries, esp in the halves. Townsend's a 260 gamer, in the halves, when we now have only young kids, and our best half, who's also a young kid, is out for half the season?

I'll never understand the incessant drive for so many on here to write off our players often before they've even played, or just because they aren't a highlight reel flashing light player. This guy has played 262 first grade games for gods sake. We effectively have no halves, except for Sandon. And this isn't a good signing? Seriously.

Agreed.

Robbo imo should have the ability to boost his confidence and have him performing at his best. He was thrown onto the scrap pile up at Townsville.

Welcome Chad.

[Easts75]

Agreed.

Robbo imo should have the ability to boost his confidence and have him performing at his best. He was thrown onto the scrap pile up at Townsville.

Welcome Chad.

He was thrown to the scrap pile as he literally couldnt tackle. He was dropped for Clifford ffs. Hope he kills it with us......but he won't

[King Salvo]

He was thrown to the scrap pile as he literally couldnt tackle. He was dropped for Clifford ffs. Hope he kills it with us......but he won't

At least you will have another player to add to your list of players to earn your wrath each week.

[MKCS]

But isn't it lucky that we do have him given Sam's injury? Recruitment is to cover for injuries, esp in the halves. Townsend's a 260 gamer, in the halves, when we now have only young kids, and our best half, who's also a young kid, is out for half the season?

I'll never understand the incessant drive for so many on here to write off our players often before they've even played, or just because they aren't a highlight reel flashing light player. This guy has played 262 first grade games for gods sake. We effectively have no halves, except for Sandon. And this isn't a good signing? Seriously.

I'm happy to have Chad but I do understand the fans that aren't so sure on him. He's a 34 year old halfback which is usually the age that they're well past it, he wasn't spectacular last year and hasn't really been since that preliminary final he got to a few years back.

I have faith that the coaching staff will help him get to where we need him to be and he'll be at least average for us which is all we really need. If he could be a consistent 5/10 for us until Walker returns I'd be happy.

[HunchoRooster]

Townsend is bang average and has always been bang average. There will be no career Renaissance for him purely because he's "in a good system" at our club. The best we can hope for is that he plays to his best. Which is an underwhelming yet stable halfback capable of applying kick pressure and organising shapes. He cannot defend, never has been able to and hasn't got the off the cuff skill to be a potent attacking threat. Lower the expectations and we won't be so disappointed.

[King Salvo]

Townsend is bang average and has always been bang average. There will be no career Renaissance for him purely because he's "in a good system" at our club. The best we can hope for is that he plays to his best. Which is an underwhelming yet stable halfback capable of applying kick pressure and organising shapes. He cannot defend, never has been able to and hasn't got the off the cuff skill to be a potent attacking threat. Lower the expectations and we won't be so disappointed.

You don't play 262 NRL Games if you're supposedly "bang average" though.

[milanja]

He can play both sides of the field,has some good vision, and if he can link with Angus as well as he did with Nanai, then he might do quite well.

[Vasco]

I think he'll be more than handy.

[HunchoRooster]

You don't play 262 NRL Games if you're supposedly "bang average" though.

Apologies. I don't mean bang average as an insult. I mean he is run of the mill halfback that does his job (most of the time). Accordingly, he has carved out a long career in the NRL.He is bang average in comparison to the top halves in the comp and has never set the world alight. So he won't set the world alight at 34 with us.

[Vasco]

Apologies. I don't mean bang average as an insult. I mean he is run of the mill halfback that does his job (most of the time). Accordingly, he has carved out a long career in the NRL.He is bang average in comparison to the top halves in the comp and has never set the world alight. So he won't set the world alight at 34 with us.

No but he will provide stability and experience at a time when we need it.

[Bates]

Townsend has won a comp so he definitely has something to contribute and at $300k he is a bargain.

Maloney/Townsend was surprisingly a good combination.

Gee that James Maloney was a great player!

[Rooster_6]

The Chad Townsend signing reminds me a lot of the Michael Gordon signing. Think he could have a similar impact where he comes in provides some experience and professionalism in what is a bit of a transitional season for us.

[Random Rooster]

Chad put on 19 try assists in 20 games last year- 7th in the NRL. Its worth a look at who was below and above him: https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?c...n=2024&stat=35

With Sam Walker out its not the right time to blood a young half next to Sandon Smith. Love him or hate him the fact is his professionalism, experience, organising skills and kicking game will be heavily relied on.

You can follow him on his YouTube channel- he responds to all questions and is open sharing his daily life as a Rooster. Seems a genuine nice guy and devoted family man.

[theGman]

Aside from being an accomplished premiership winning player, Chad is a likeable hombre and a good club man.
You need someone like him around your younger chaps and four walls.

Based on his v-logs, he's very popular and respected amongst the squad. Intelligent and good for our brand.

As a supporter, i'm stoked to have him as one of our keels.