Coach Shane Flanagan said Townsend would continue to improve over the coming seasons and an integral member of the Sharks side.

“Chad is a local junior, a member of our premiership winning team and a very important member of our side," said Townsend.

"While James Maloney and Chad are different types of players, they work well together and Chad is still relatively young and has some of his best football in front of him.

“We are pleased he has re-signed and look forward to him continuing his improvement and development over the next few years.”

After coming through the junior ranks at the Sharks, Townsend debuted in the NRL back in 2011, played two more years at the Cronulla club before shifting to the New Zealand Warriors in 2014.

He arrived back in the Shire in 2016, slotting straight into the half back role and was one of the major reasons the Sharks managed to claim their maiden NRL title.

“I'm very happy to secure my future for the next three years and i'm excited to be a part of the Club moving forward,” Townsend said.

“On the back of last year and what that meant to the fans and the Members and the community, to represent this Club and be from this area is definitely something that I hold close to my heart.”