Michael Ennis says Chad Townsend will be Cronulla’s halfback against North Queensland despite being hooked late in their clash against Canberra in week one of the finals.

The retiring hooker also paid credit to Townsend as one of the form halfbacks of 2016.

“Let’s be honest, obviously you have Cooper (Cronk) and Johnathan Thurston there but Chad has been one of the form halfbacks of the comp this year,” Ennis said.

“He has had a great for us. He is a big part of what we do and we need him there Friday night.

“That was a real test of his character and I think he has come out of it with flying colours.

“The boys have really rallied around him but they didn’t have to because he handled it so well.

“He had a chat to Flanno (coach Shane Flanagan after the game and has been straight back at halfback for us at training.”