Chad Townsend is officially a member of the New Zealand Warriors after being granted an immediate release by the Cronulla Sharks.
Townsend will be available for the Warriors’ Round 16 clash against the Dragons on July 2, re-joining the club he played 41 games for between 2014 and 2015.
The 30-year-old playmaker will join Kodi Nikorima in the halves for Nathan Brown’s side, before he joins the North Queensland Cowboys on a three-year deal from 2022 onward.
Townsend’s immediate exit from Cronulla means his last act as a Shark was a game-winning extra-time field goal to defeat the Dragons back in Round 11.
“The nine seasons I’ve spent here at the Sharks has been an incredible journey for myself and my family,” Townsend said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sharks members and fans for their support over that period.
“I leave this club with a lot of wonderful memories, with the club’s maiden 2016 premiership something I will never forget.”
Townsend’s addition comes after the Warriors also added Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who was granted a release from the Canterbury Bulldogs.
“The timing couldn’t be better for us being able to sign Chad,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
“Bringing in Chad as well as Dallin gives us enormous experience and leadership which will be invaluable for us as we look to resume our season following the bye round.”
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