League: Townsend's role makes sixth sense

Chad Townsend has performed well for the Warriors this year. Photo / Getty Images

Chad Townsend might be the unlikely answer to a question which has dogged the Warriors for much of their history.

For most of the past two decades, the Auckland club have rarely found settled options in the No6 jersey. From Gene Ngamu to Motu Tony, John Simon to Michael Witt, the five-eighth position has been a revolving door at the club.

Lance Hohaia's utility value precluded him becoming a fixture there and the bright lights of Sydney stole James Maloney away after a few seasons.

Townsend is the latest player hoping for long-term success at Mt Smart. After duelling with Thomas Leuluai last season, the 24-year-old now has the inside running and will play there again today at Mt Smart Stadium against the Broncos as the Warriors celebrate 20 years as a club.

"It's a good feeling," said Townsend. "I want to establish myself in that position and I have been given the chance. I want to take the opportunity."

Townsend is never going to be another Shaun Johnson but doesn't need to be. The Warriors need a solid playmaker who takes the right options and balances out Johnson's flair. He's far from the finished product but the former Sharks player gave a hint of his potential against the Eels. He had three try assists, made several tackle breaks and ran for almost 100m. He also kicked accurately and helped to calm the nerves late in the final quarter after Parramatta threatened a comeback.

"We have faith in his ability," said Warriors coach Andrew McFadden. "He is still at the beginning of his career in NRL terms but we are confident in what he can deliver."

Like Johnson, Townsend made his NRL debut in 2011 but has only 41 games under his belt, after being stuck behind Todd Carney at Cronulla. He's got plenty to learn but already this year seems more confident, and an off-season weights programme has seen Townsend add around 4kg of muscle.

"I feel fit and strong - the heaviest I have ever been," he said. "It's something I have had to adapt to but I have got used to it now. I want to run the ball more, be a threat and the extra weight makes a difference in the contact. As a half, you get targeted a lot."

Townsend has a reliable long and short kicking game, has been part of a left-edge defence that has performed well this year and is one of the team's better support runners.

He still has some competition - Tui Lolohea will continue to press his claims, McFadden knows what Leuluai can offer at No6 and the pursuit of Kieran Foran illustrated the club's long-term goals in the halves - but Townsend has a chance this year to make his mark. He's also playing for a new deal, as his contract expires at the end of this season.

"It's not something I think about too much," he said. "I can only control my preparation and playing. If we are going well then [the contract] will take care of itself."