Cowboys star addresses 'crazy' contract saga

Chad Townsend has confirmed he will leave North Queensland at the end of the season, with a potential move to the Roosters on the horizon to finish his career.

The veteran halfback joined the Cowboys in 2022 and helped the side to a prelim final in his first campaign, but the club are now looking towards the future in the halves.

Townsend was linked with a move to the Bulldogs last week, before the club's head of football Phil Gould denied the 33-year-old would be heading to Belmore.

Reports from News Corp have since surfaced claiming that Townsend has agreed to join the Tricolours on a one-year deal for 2025 in a bid to bring experience to the squad.

Chad Townsend in action for the Cowboys.

But in an interview with Triple M's The Rush Hour, the playmaker said nothing was set in stone at this stage and hopes to come to a decision soon.

"I'm in the process now of finalising my decision about what I do next," Townsend said.

"What I will say is it's probably been one of the most craziest times in my free agency period throughout my career. I've had a lot of options on the table with regards to both here and, and overseas and I really wanted just to explore that."

"I'm really close to making that decision now and hopefully it will become official probably by the end of the week. I don't have anything official to report at this stage."

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With over 250 first grade appearances and a premiership to his name, Townsend is one of the more experienced halfbacks in the competition and would add valuable experience to the Roosters, who will farewell a number of players at the end of 2024.

Luke Keary will leave the Roosters at the end of the year.

But with plenty left to achieve in Townsville before he leaves the club, Townsend is dedicated to helping the side reach the finals and compete for a title.

"I've given everything that I've had, I've been so grateful for the opportunity, and I've loved the people that I've met," he said.

"Some of my teammates I've met in my last couple years, I can honestly say now are some of the best mates I've got in my life.

"When the season's done at the end of the year I know that I can walk away with my head held high and I'm really happy about that."