Former NZ Warriors half Chad Townsend is reportedly targeted for a return to the Auckland-based club, as it faces an injury crisis over the final three months of their 2021 NRL campaign.
With established starter Chanel Harris-Tavita out for the season with a pectoral (chest) injury, the Warriors may have lost confidence in back-up Sean O'Sullivan, after his unconvincing display against Newcastle Knights last Saturday.
NRL.com reports Townsend is on their radar as a short-term injury replacement, as they try to salvage their playoff hopes.
The Cronulla junior established himself as a first-grade start during two seasons at Mt Smart Stadium, playing 41 games, before returning to the Sharks, where he has logged 128 games since 2016.
But Townsend, 30, has signed a three-year deal with North Queensland Cowboys, starting next year, and currently languishes in the second-tier NSW Cup with the Sharks reserves, with former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson and veteran Matt Moylan preferred ahead of him.
The Warriors are also reportedly chasing English star Gareth Widdop, currently playing for Warrington in the Super League.
With the NRL competition in a bye week for State of Origin II, the Warriors are scheduled to face St George Dragons - Widdop's old outfit - on July 2.
Join us at 10pm Sunday for live updates of State of Origin II between NSW and Queensland
