North Queensland Cowboys players golf apparel business, Chad Townsend, Val Holmes, Scott Drinkwater
Chad Townsend’s influence on the stunning Cowboys transformation from wooden spoon favourites to premiership contenders has teammates tipping him to become an NRL coach one day.
But his future may lie in another sport after spearheading a new business with two fellow North Queensland players.
Townsend, Valentine Holmes, and Scott Drinkwater are about to launch The PLAYRS Golf Club after spending the past few months fine-tuning the project.
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The regular golfing buddies have designed their own branded apparel and plan to offer inaugural membership deals via their www.playrs.com.au website.
“We always talked about it I guess when we were playing golf, you know, maybe starting a brand up,” Drinkwater told Wide World of Sports.
“I guess Chaddy was pretty keen and eager, you know he loves those little hobbies (and) side hustles like that, and we all just thought let’s have a crack at it.”
It’s also become a way to bond and not to be consumed by rugby league 24/7 during the gruelling NRL season.
“I’ve always found over the course of my career whenever I’ve been balanced off the field it’s allowed me to play some of my best footballm” Townsend said.
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“So having a little avenue where you can pursue other interests I really think it levels yourself out.
“I think golf for us has been a great asset for not only me personally, but our team. It’s been a real outlet, a bit of a competitive side too, so it’s been really enjoyable.”
Promoted to the co-captaincy alongside Jason Taumalolo in his first season at the Cowboys, Townsend is just one win away from leading North Queensland to a grand final.
“He’s just a calm head on the field which is I guess what a lot of our young fellas need, myself included, and the way he talks about the game you know he could be a coach,” Drinkwater said.
“He’s very smart, intelligent, and gets his point across really well.”
The trio have stuck to their weekly routine in the lead up to Friday night’s preliminary final against the Eels, beating the Cowboys coaching staff in a golfing challenge at the Townsville Golf Club on Monday.
Holmes showcased the same composure that’s seen him become one of the best match winners in the NRL.
“It doesn’t surprise me some of the stuff he does in key moments in games,” Drinkwater said.
“He wants the ball in the big moments and he’s the same on the golf course.
“He’s one of those big game players who can do anything and we’re looking forward to him bringing some key moments over the next couple of weeks.”
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