NRL half-back Chad Townsend has had a video call with a Super League club – but has also met with one from NRL.
Townsend has long been rumoured to be a Super League target and there were reports mid-way through last year that he was offered to sides such as Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and Hull FC.
He has started almost every game for the North Queensland Cowboys this year, but at 33, they may look to replace him with someone else – with Jake Clifford, formerly of Hull FC, snapping at his heels.
He’s off-contract at the end of this season and could secure a move elsewhere.
Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Phil Gould, the Canterbury Bulldogs general manager, is a fan – and Townsend also has a “long-standing” relationship with coach Cameron Ciraldo.
They say the three have met to discuss his future, but “Canterbury ultimately decided they would stick with the status quo”.
Quiz: How many of these 15 questions about Rugby League can you get correct?
NRL star meets with Super League club
Credit: Imago Images
Sydney Morning Herald has reported that there’s a Super League side particularly interested in securing Townsend’s services, saying: [Townsend] has fielded interest from NRL and Super League clubs about the prospect of playing on beyond this season. Townsend held a video call with Catalans officials keen to lure him to the Super League outfit.”
Catalans have already had plenty of links with NRL stars this year, with it being reported that Luke Keary, an Ireland international at the Roosters, had decided to join them next year.
However, it now seems that they’re looking to Townsend as a potential alternative, as a replacement for the departing Jordan Abdull.
The report also drops in another bit of news for Catalans: “In other signing news, Canberra three-quarter Nick Cotric is expected to shift to Catalans at the end of the season.”
Cotric, primarily a winger, plays got Canberra Raiders and has scored seven tries this year – he’d be another signing on the wing to add to Tommy Makinson.
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves claim made as latest NRL deal confirmed
