Like many of his teammates it was always going to be a challenge for Chad Townsend to reach the highs of the premiership winning year of 2016, however the Sharks number seven again played to a consistently season as the general of his team’s attack.
Townsend played all 25 matches in 2017 in showing his durability, with his developing maturity and playmaking ability a definite asset to the team throughout the season.
Scored six tries during the year, included amongst those a spectacular individual effort in the win over the Tigers and a controversial four-pointer in the finals loss to the Cowboys, while his field goal in the victory over the Bulldogs in round 12 proved to be the difference.
Townsend’s partnership in the halves with James Maloney was strong and although in Jayden Brailey and Valentine Holmes the Sharks ‘spine’ took on a new look, the quartet combined well and will only get better again in 2018.
A student of the game and a favourite with the coach for his attention to detail and for his meticulous preparation, Townsend continues to evolve and improve and after signing a new multi-year contract will be a mainstay of the Sharks team in the immediate future.
Season highlight: It was another solid season with a number of standout moments for Townsend in 2017 but if looking for the spectacular, a passage of play that brought the crowd to its feet, it was the Sharks number seven’s chip-chase try in the win over the Tigers at Leichhardt that rates above all else. With his team struggling to get over the top of their opponents, on a night where the Origin boys were unavailable, Townsend stole victory with a brilliant solo effort late in the second half. With no Maloney, Townsend was forced to step up to fill the void, and he did so admirably, steering the Sharks to an important victory.
2017 Stats: Chad Townsend
Games played: 25
Tries: 6
Goals: 2
Field goals: 1
Points: 29
Runs: 170
Run Metres: 1178
Line breaks: 5
line break assists: 3
Kicks: 230
Kick metres: 6111
