'Immense' premiership winner locks in new deal

Chad Townsend has officially signed with the Sydney Roosters for the 2025 season.

The veteran halfback confirmed this week he would be leaving the Cowboys at the end of the year, with a number of NRL and Super League clubs chasing his signature.

Bondi emerged as a surprising new home for the 33-year-old and the club has now confirmed the signing of the premiership-winning halfback on a one-year deal.

"It's great to be adding Chad's experience to our 2025 roster, and we look forward to welcoming him to the club later this year," head of recruitment Daniel Anderson said.

Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend.

Townsend will bring over 250 games of first grade experience to the Tricolours and will replace Luke Keary in the squad, with the five-eighth hanging up the boots.

Sam Walker and Sandon Smith have been earmarked as the long-term halves combination for the Roosters, with the experience of Townsend seen as a way to help the young stars navigate their week-to-week football.

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North Queensland also released a statement confirming Townsend's departure, with head of football Micheal Luck thanking the playmaker for his service.

"In 2021 we identified we needed an experienced half who could come in and lead what was then a young and relatively inexperienced roster," he said.

"Chad's contribution to our club has been immense over his three seasons.

"He has provided a stabilising presence on the field as well as being an invaluable mentor for our players. We wish him, Marissa and their family the very best for their return home to NSW."