When we were taking a look back at some of the statistics from 2017, there was one that caught or eye. It was Chad Townsend’s 6,111 metres with the boot.
If you were to line up a whopping 20,049 foot long Subway sandwiches end to end, that’s how far Chad managed to send the Steeden across the park this year.
But that’s not all he did with the boot either, with a couple of stand out moments being produced by the Sharks half back that really got the crowd on their feet.
Back in Round 12 he snapped a field goal in the dying stages of our clash against the Bulldogs to snatch victory in front of a sold out crowd at Southern Cross Group Stadium. It certainly got the home crowd going!
But the one moment which stands above all others when it comes to the toe of Townsend in 2017, was his brilliant solo effort back in Round 9 against the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt.
Without the Origin boys, Townsend really needed to stand up. The Sharks were struggling to put the finishing touches on a Tigers side being backed home by the Leichhardt faithful.
Townsend would step up to the plate late in the second half to string together a spectacular little passage of play that certainly got the travelling Sharks fans on their feet, and would ultimately win the Sharks the match.
Looking back Townsend says he noticed Tigers fullback Kevin Naiqama was standing at marker and “knew there was no one at home.”
Seizing the moment he put in a chip ’n’ chase over the defensive line, racing through to grab on to it and slide over the line and seal victory.
With performances like this being produced from the boot of Townsend in 2017, lets hope there is more success for the Black, White and Blue half in 2018!
