New signings Chad Townsend and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak open up about joining the Warriors and the return of Shaun Johnson.
Chad Townsend has played down suggestions he will be the mid-season saviour at the Warriors – but the experienced halfback is confident he can make a telling difference.
Townsend has arrived at the club in unusual circumstances. Signed to the Cowboys for next season, he will step into the breachat the Warriors for the rest of 2021, after being released by the Sharks.
Townsend was relegated to reserve grade a month ago, as Cronulla preferred other options. That set his manager looking around, before Townsend took a call from Warriors coach Nathan Brown.
"Probably three days after that, the deal was done," said Townsend. "It was a little bit surreal for me, [but] it was a pretty easy decision. I know this club, I've played for the club before. I've got the jersey hanging up in my house so I've got an emotional connection with this club."
It's always difficult for a player, let alone a member of the spine, to be parachuted into a team in the middle of a campaign, but Townsend could be the perfect fit.
Chad Townsend in action for the Sharks. Photo / Getty Images
The Warriors have often lacked organisation this season, and fallen short with their game management. They've had young players in the halves and even Kodi Nikorima prefers a more freewheeling style. Townsend will instantly take a senior role, directing the team from first receiver.
"Just to do what I'm good at and that's getting the team around the park with my talk, my organisation and a solid kicking game," said Townsend. "Every time I lace up the boots. I'm really confident in what I can bring to a team and 'Brownie' has been really straightforward in what he expects of me. I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Townsend played 41 games for the Warriors in 2013 and 2014, before returning to Australia for family reasons. Seven years on, Townsend version 2.0 is older and considerably wiser.
"At that stage of my career I was only 60 or 70 [NRL] games in," said Townsend. "Now I'm close to 200, so I'm a lot more experienced, I've played in some big games, I've played in the final series the last five years.
"That has got me in good stead for what's required in big games, and how to manage big games. That experience is invaluable and something hopefully I can bring to this team and as we make a charge towards the back end of the year."
It's always difficult to join mid-season, but Chad Townsend could be the perfect fit. Photo / Getty Images
Townsend was caught off guard by the sudden turn of events at the Sharks. He was a key figure in the 13-12 round 11 win over the Dragons, then out of the picture a few days later.
"I'll probably be the first person ever to kick a [winning] field goal in golden point and then not be selected the week after, that was a little bit surprising," said Townsend.
It was a bittersweet way to end his tenure with his junior club, but such curveballs are "part of the business". He's focused on learning as much as possible about the Warriors' structure this week, with extra sessions with the assistant coaches.
Townsend is philosophical about the current Covid related difficulties, with a lockdown encircling most of New South Wales. He's confident matches will still go ahead – perhaps at different locations – but said the situation was "nothing new" for players, who have faced many challenges over the past 18 months.
The Warriors will need to win at least six (and probably more) of their final 10 games to be playoff contenders, starting with Friday night's clash against the Dragons and Townsend, who is expected to start at halfback, is optimistic.
"We've got a chance to do something special this year and sneak into the eight," said Townsend. "If we're good enough, we'll be there and that's going to be up to us. Our destiny is in our hands."
