Chad Townsend trains with ther Sharks. Source: Brett Costello / DailyTelegraph
THE Cronulla Sharks originally had no local juniors in the side to play arch-rivals Manly in Friday's knockout NRL semi-final at Allianz Stadium.
Not until coach Shane Flanagan called junior grand final specialist Chad Townsend into the squad to replace injured Todd Carney.
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He was originally named in NSW Cup and was supposed to be playing against the Newtown Jets and an unknown halfback, Ryley Jacks, at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
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Instead, he'll be marking New Zealand's Test captain Kieran Foran at Allianz Stadium in the Battle of the Beaches.
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Townsend is a premiership winning specialist who has won as many grand finals as super coach Wayne Bennett.
He won an incredible seven straight for the Yarrawarrah Tigers in Sharks juniors on his journey to first grade football.
From Under 8's to Under 16's, it was an unbelievable ride for the rookie halfback who made Australia's Junior Kangaroos team two years ago.
Although Flanagan was giving little away after training at Allianz Stadium, The Daily Telegraph understands Townsend will be part of the final 17 when the team is revealed an hour before kick-off.
The far more experienced Luke Lewis was expected to start at five-eighth but Townsend will be there in jersey number 19.
The 22-year-old is no Todd Carney, but Flanagan and the senior players have spoken highly of him since he emerged from the old Toyota Cup.
He is so highly rated that the New Zealand Warriors have snapped him up on a big money deal for next year, even while they've got the brilliant Shaun Johnson.
Flanagan had indicated all week that Origin star Lewis would play outside Jeff Robson in the halves.
It was only to keep the Sea Eagles guessing.
Townsend, a young battler who drives a '96 Commodore and lives at home with mum and dad, has matured into a far more confident player this year at the Sharks.
When he debuted as a rookie halfback in 2011 he was reluctant to call the shots or stamp his authority around more senior players.
His strengths are his kicking game and ability to read the play.
The Sharks, despised outsiders, finalised their preparation with a sharp hit-out at Allianz Stadium before going into camp at a Darling Harbour hotel.
"It was a great session – we didn't drop a ball," Flanagan said.
"Andrew (Fifita) ran great and he's 100 percent. We're ready."
Carney turned up, but was under the care of the team's physio staff and is no hope of playing.
Behind closed doors, Townsend ran at five-eighth. He played there two weeks ago in the commanding win over the Raiders in Canberra.
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