North Queensland players were ecstatic when Valentine Holmes’ 93rd-minute field goal sailed between the uprights at Shark Park last weekend, but one Cowboy was a little happier than the others.
Halfback Chad Townsend was sweating on the week off, admitting he would have been able to train just once leading into a potential sudden-death semi-final this weekend due to the birth of his fourth child.
Townsend spent most of this week in Sydney awaiting the arrival of his daughter, Malibu. He and his wife, Marissa, had booked the same obstetrician who delivered their three other children.
Townsend struck an agreement with coach Todd Payten to delay his return to Townsville, even if the Cowboys had lost to Cronulla and were forced to host South Sydney on a Saturday night.
The fact Payten was also prepared to give his chief playmaker most of the week off and prioritise family over football says a lot about the coach and why he is so respected by his players.
“There was so much riding on the result last weekend, not just for the club but my family,” Townsend told The Sun-Herald. “Toddy has been so understanding. He was a player once and I can’t thank him enough.
Chad Townsend celebrates the Cowboys’ last-gasp victory over the Sharks.Credit:NRL Photos
“Had we lost last weekend, it would have been a crazy week. We would have played the Saturday, our main training session would have been the Wednesday, and that was the day I would have been in hospital for the birth.
“I would not have got back until late Thursday and only trained the Friday.
Chad Townsend welcomes the arrival of his fourth child, a daughter, Malibu, this week.Credit:Instagram
“There would have also been the mental side of things if I raced back early. I have a strict routine with how I prepare and what I do each day with video, extra kicking, massage, physio … my routine has held me in good stead my whole career.
“To now know we’ve had the baby – she’s happy, mum is doing great – it means I can now get right back into footy mode.”
Marissa needed to return to Sydney with their three other children before the Cowboys played South Sydney in round 24, when she was 36 weeks pregnant. She was not allowed to leave it any later to board a flight.
Townsend said the big focus on family had made his first season in Townsville more enjoyable.
Holmes and his wife are close with Townsend and his partner from their time together at Cronulla. Townsend vowed to take them to dinner after Holmes’ magical right boot gifted the Cowboys a direct passage to a preliminary final.
The Cowboys gathered in the club’s video room to watch Friday’s opponents, Parramatta, dominate Canberra, but Townsend is confident his side can get the job done.
“Parra started well and were really impressive,” Townsend said. “I just think with our style of play, we know what our best looks like, and at our best we know we’re a chance of beating anyone.
“We don’t have to try and win the game early. We’re willing to go the entire 80 minutes to get the win. We can be patient and back our fitness and defence, which we have done all year.”
Townsend praised his opposite No.7 Mitchell Moses and admired his “great running and kicking game, and as someone who had a lot of passion for the jersey”.
North Queensland belted Parramatta 35-4 on a steamy night in Darwin earlier this year – it doubled as Townsend’s 200th NRL game – and the early forecast at Queensland Country Bank Stadium next week is 30 degrees.
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