Chad Townsend is set to run out in a New Zealand Warriors shirt for the first time on Friday against St George Illawarra, after signing a four-month contract with the Auckland-based club last week.
But, the halfback has not played for six weeks, despite having kicked a match-winning drop-goal against the Dragons in late May in his last game.
Townsend will be a North Queensland Cowboy next season, but he jumped at the chance of returning to the Warriors.
“I was probably the first person ever to kick a field goal in golden point and not be selected the week after,” Townsend said.
“I was a little bit surprised and caught off guard, but this opportunity come up and I really wanted to grab it with both hands.
“In an ideal world it would have been great to play out the year at Cronulla but we are in a business where things can chop and change straight away.
“While I had great memories and times at the Sharks, having a great send off is not too important to me.
“I have departed the club amicably.”
