Premiership-winning halfback Chad Townsend seems certain to spend the rest of his career as a Shark after sealing a contract extension until the end of 2023.
The 28-year-old playmaker, who was contracted to the club until the end of next season, has signed a new deal for a further three seasons.
A local junior from the Yarrawarrah Tigers, he made his NRL debut at the Sharks in 2011 before making a move to the New Zealand Warriors for the 2014-2015 seasons.
He returned to the Sharks in 2016, helping to guide the club to its maiden NRL premiership and has developed into a leader and an integral member of the John Morris's side.
"I grew up here, this is where I want to play," Townsend said.
"I love playing for this jersey, it means a lot to me and I'm looking forward to the future. I'm very happy to be staying in the Shire."
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Morris, a former teammate of Townsend's and now his NRL coach, is unashamedly a huge fan of his No.7.
"It's fantastic news, he's such an important part of our club," Morris said. "No player in the NRL would be more consistent than Chad Townsend, on and off the field. He's the ultimate professional.
"He is a rare game manager, a player who can execute a game plan and he's a crucial part of our team."
Heading into his 10th season in the top grade, Townsend has amassed 165 NRL games, 124 at the Sharks, scoring 32 tries and kicking 119 goals and eight field goals.
