Former half returns to the Sharks after stint across the Tasman

There was a time when he was a Cronulla Sharks player in his early days, before opportunity became limited and he sought a move away from the club.

That move saw Chad Townsend move across the Tasman to spend time with the New Zealand Warriors but in a move that has Sharks fans rejoicing, the half returns to where it all began.

A local junior from the Yarrawarrah Tigers Club, it was in 2011 when Townsend made his Sharks debut, before spending a few seasons at the Warriors from 2013.

Townsend returns home with the new deal, signing on with the Sharks for two seasons.

The club is pleased with the signing and coach Shane Flanagan is excited to have Townsend back in the Shire.

“It will be good to have Chad back on deck next year,” he said.

“He left looking for greater opportunity and has matured over the past two seasons. He has been in career best form this year.

“It is also great to have one of our local juniors returning to the Club and we certainly look forward to having him back.”

Having already signed James Maloney in the halves, the Sharks will boast a very prosperous and talented back-line, with Val Holmes expected to move to fullback and Jack Bird likely to move into the centres in 2016.