NRL: Chad nails down pivotal position

Warriors five-eighth Chad Townsend. Photo / Getty Images

Chad Townsend will be the first-choice Warriors five-eighth next season, after the Auckland club fended off recent approaches from NRL rivals for his services.

With the transfer silly season in full swing, clubs are moving quickly to fill any holes in their roster.

The Herald on Sunday understands several NRL clubs, including his former team Cronulla, made a play for the 23-year-old, who came to Mt Smart at the start of last season.

But unlike some other players the Warriors might be happy to let go, Townsend is seen as a key element of the 2015 squad under coach Andrew McFadden.

"We are aware of the interest in Chad," Warriors general manager of football Dean Bell said. "But we have no interest in releasing him. It wasn't even something we contemplated - we didn't want to muck around."

Townsend was viewed when he signed as a squad player, a promising youngster who could provide back-up to Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai. But now he's seen as the preferred option in the No 6 jersey next year.

"Cappy [McFadden] has already told Chad he will be the starting five-eighth for next season," Bell said. "That is something that has already been decided."

Bell wouldn't speculate on what that would mean for other positions, but the obvious implication is Leuluai and Nathan Friend will fight for the hooking spot.

Townsend played the majority of last season at No 6 (19 matches) but lost his places for the final few games, with McFadden preferring Leuluai at five-eighth. He was understandably unhappy at losing his spot, but was professional enough to maintain a high standard for the Warriors' reserve grade side in the NSW Cup.

It's probably too early to ascertain how good Townsend could be. It's been four years since he made his first-grade debut but has clocked up only 38 NRL matches, a small number for such a pivotal position. He has a decent kicking game, is a handy back-up goal kicker and solid defender and has good short and long passing options. He lacks speed but Bulldogs playmaker Trent Hodkinson has shown it's possible to achieve at a high level without blinding pace.

After an uncertain start to 2014 - Townsend admitted he struggled, along with the team, in the first few games - he improved steadily.

He may not morph into another James Maloney but doesn't need to. The Warriors' priority is a rock-solid organiser who can provide direction and poise while Shaun Johnson brings the flair and dash.