Former Shark Chad Townsend will return to Cronulla in 2016 on a two-year deal ending his stint at the New Zealand Warriors.

Townsend will link with fellow recruit and another former Warrior in James Maloney.

“It will be good to have Chad back on deck next year,” coach Shane Flanagan said in a statement.

“He left looking for greater opportunity and has matured over the past two seasons. He has been in career best form this year.

“It is also great to have one of our local juniors returning to the Club and we certainly look forward to having him back.”