The Tele has done a great managers job on the Chad to Cowboys story. I'll take some snippets and dissect them.
"Halfback Chad Townsend is poised to shock Cronulla by signing a two or three-year deal with North Queensland in a move which would end any chance of South Sydney’s Adam Reynolds heading to Townsville.
Townsend has decided against activating a contract clause in his favour for next season."
Which really reads as. Cronulla has shocked Townsend by telling him that he won't be playing as the first string half back next year. Adam Reynolds was never heading up north, hence why they had to make a play for Chad.
"North Queensland will sign Townsend with the money saved through the medical retirement of Michael Morgan.
The Daily Telegraph has been told North Queensland want to partner Townsend and Brisbane’s Tom Dearden in their halves from next season.
Cowboys’ officials had contacted Reynolds’ manager, Steve Gillis, to express a preliminary interest in the Rabbitohs halfback.
No offer had been lodged but the Cowboys were keen to discuss whether Reynolds would entertain a shift to far north Queensland should he quit Redfern after this season.
North Queensland has now changed their plans."
Cowboys sounded out Reynolds and he said "no chance". Hence why they knew Chad was on the market.
"There is continuing speculation Brisbane may have a nibble at signing Reynolds.
The Broncos continue to struggle with their halves this season and have held internal discussions about Reynolds.
There is continuing speculation Brisbane may have a nibble at signing Reynolds."
Not one mention of Reynolds joining the Sharks. There is to be no positive spin on the Sharks whatsoever whilst their Sports Editor has been sent to purgatory.
"Aged 30, Townsend is a Cronulla junior who helped steer the club to its historic and inaugural NRL premiership win in 2016.
Well-placed sources indicate Townsend’s expected move north may be formally announced on Wednesday.
Townsend is also expected to have a meeting with in-coming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon this week.
Townsend has told friends the offer from North Queensland would give him long-term financial security."
Putting the feelers out to death ride Cronulla as a club with no soul for letting a junior go. Watch this space after the signing is announced.
Expected to meet with Fitzgibbon, so are they saying that there has been no conversation on Chad's future yet at the Sharks?????? hahaha. O....K
Told friends that he's been told that he will be playing for Newtown if he stays, and that's not good for his brand.
Not a hatchet job, but definitely they are lining one up. Ritchie is Buzz's bitch.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...s/news-story/ae1f670f25bafdcf37801ec27ee53bfd
