Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle Analyst Darren sit down with NRL halfback Chad Townsend to relive the highs, pressures, and unforgettable moments of grand final week. Chad takes us behind the scenes of the 2016 Cronulla Sharks premiership run, sharing how the team handled media commitments, training intensity, and the weight of history. From tough selection calls and fan stories, to his advice for players experiencing their first grand final, this is a raw and inspiring look at what it takes to perform on rugby league’s biggest stage.

🔗 The Chad Townsend Show:

https://www.youtube.com/@ChadTownsend10

⬇️ THE RUNDOWN:

00:00 – Intro

01:12 – Roosters 2025 season reflections

03:29 – Prelim finals schedule fairness

07:18 – Inside grand final week (2016 Sharks)

09:09 – Treating the grand final like a normal game?

11:09 – Using club history & past players as motivation

13:12 – Distractions & managing pressure

16:15 – Training & self-preservation before the big game

17:35 – The tough calls on selection

19:10 – How many sessions before a grand final?

22:02 – Does the grand final feel “normal” after kickoff?

24:26 – Mindset & instincts in high-pressure moments

27:18 – The moment it felt real

29:10 – Funny & random fan stories

31:05 – Advice for first-time grand final players

32:28 – Chad’s YouTube & Sharks reunion plans

33:55 – Wrap up

#NRL #ChadTownsend #RugbyLeague #NRLPodcast

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