Cronulla has retained Chad Townsend on a new deal that could keep the premiership-winning halfback at the club until the end of 2023.

Townsend, who was off contract at the end of 2020, has signed on for an additional two seasons, with options to remain in the Shire for up to a total of four years.

Chad Townsend is set to re-sign with Cronulla. Credit:ninevms

The 28-year-old is arguably in the best form of his career and was awarded the Monty Porter medal as the team’s best player for the season.

The local junior has been one of Cronulla’s most consistent performers since returning to the club in 2016 after a stint at the New Zealand Warriors. He became the first halfback to steer the side to premiership glory that season and has remained a solid contributor to the Sharks, particularly during an injury crisis in coach John Morris’ first year at the helm.