NRL premiership hero Chad Townsend breaks down telling his children he’s retiring: ‘Happy tears’

Chad Townsend will make 2025 his last in rugby league, with the premiership-winning half confirming he will retire at the end of the season with the Sydney Roosters.

Townsend told Roosters teammates on Tuesday that he would not be re-signing beyond the end of this year, with the club in camp on the Central Coast.

It means he will go out with at least 268 NRL games to his name, since making his debut with Cronulla in 2011.

Before informing teammates Townsend had recorded a video of the moment he struggled through telling his children of his decision.

“Daddy has something he needs to tell you guys, about daddy,” he said, immediately stopped by a lump in his throat.

“You know how daddy plays football? Well, daddy’s not... daddy’s not playing football any more.

Asked why, he said: “Because it’s time for daddy to be with you guys.”

The kids appeared excited but, sensing the emotions, his son replied: “Dad, you could just keep playing footy.”

“I can play with you. But daddy’s not playing football any more,” Townsend said as the video cut to his wife Marissa wiping away tears.

His son said: “Which sport will you play now?”

Townsend said: “We’re playing golf with you.”

“I am sad but I’m happy as well. Very happy, OK? But I just wanted to let you guys know that I love you all very much. I look forward to being with you guys a lot more now,” he said as the kids spoke about his ‘happy tears’.

Townsend is one of only five halfbacks to win a premiership in the past decade, alongside Nathan Cleary, Jahrome Hughes, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.

The No.7 played a key role in Cronulla’s 2016 success, helping the Sharks break their 50-year drought and lift the trophy for the first time.

He also helped take North Queensland to the 2022 preliminary final.

“It’s hard to put into words what this game means to me,” Townsend said.

“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.”

Townsend signed with the Roosters this year, playing the opening month of the season for the Tri-colours.

It is also possible his final game came against his junior club the Sharks this month, after making a one-week cameo in the Roosters halves a fortnight ago.

The Roosters have Sam Walker and Hugo Savala as their long-term halves, while Daly Cherry-Evans is still expected to join the club next year.

Fellow half Sandon Smith also remains on contract, but he has fallen behind Savala in the pecking order this season.

“Chad’s NRL journey speaks volumes about his character, professionalism and passion for rugby league,” coach Trent Robinson said.

“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.”