Sydney Roosters player Chad Townsend has today announced that he will retire from professional rugby league at the conclusion of the 2025 NRL season.
The 34-year-old playmaker, who joined the Roosters this year and became Rooster number 1236 with his club debut in Round 2, will bring the curtain down on a 15-year NRL career that includes a Premiership and over 250 first-grade appearances.
To date, Townsend has played 268 NRL games since making his debut with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in 2011 (Round 13).
He has represented four NRL clubs over the course of his career – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2011-2013, 2016-2021), New Zealand Warriors (2014-2015, 2021), North Queensland Cowboys (2022-2024) and Sydney Roosters (2025).
Among his career highlights are winning the 2016 NRL Premiership with the Sharks, co-captaining the Cowboys across the 2022-2023 seasons, and representing both NSW City and the Prime Minister’s XIII.
Announcing that he will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2025 season, Townsend reflected on his 15 years in the NRL.
“It’s hard to put into words what this game means to me,” said Townsend.
“I’d like to thank the Yarrawarrah Tigers for giving me an opportunity to fall in love with this game. The memories and friendships I created at my junior club still live with me today and I am very grateful for that.
“To the teams I played for, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, New Zealand Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters, I am forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to fulfil my dreams of playing in the NRL.
“I’d like to thank all the fans who have showed love and support to me throughout my journey. I have always enjoyed connecting with people through our shared love of rugby league.
“To all my teammates over the years, thank you for being there for me throughout the highs and lows that is the rollercoaster of the NRL. We shared some incredible memories together and this will be the thing I miss the most.
“To my coaches, football staff and club staff, thank you for all your support throughout my career. I have been lucky to work with some incredible people and build some great relationships.
“To my management, Gavin and Chris at Pacific Sports Management, we have shared a long journey together. Thank you for your guidance and support throughout my entire NRL career.
“To my beautiful wife Marissa and our kids Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu, thank you for your unwavering support throughout my career. You have been there through it all, on and off the field. Every win, every loss, we did it together.
“When I think about the young kid from Yarrawarrah who was footy obsessed, who just wanted to play footy with his mates, who stood on the family hill waving his flag, who had dreams of making it to the NRL and who had to earn everything he got, my heart and soul are filled with love and gratitude.
“The game owed me nothing, but it gave me everything,” he added.
Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, paid tribute to Townsend's achievements and contribution to rugby league.
“Chad’s NRL journey speaks volumes about his character, professionalism and passion for rugby league,” said Robinson.
“His Premiership-winning career is matched by the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field.
“Although we have only had one season together, Chad’s love for the game and approach to the sport have really stood out. As a member of our playing leadership group, he has also been generous with his time, helping to guide and support the younger players in our squad.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Roosters, we congratulate Chad, and we wish him, his wife Marissa and their children Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu all the best for the next chapter that will begin later this year,” he added.
After informing his Roosters teammates earlier today, Townsend shared a heartfelt video capturing the moment he announced his retirement to his family. The video can be viewed here
