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Full Noise by SN
Former Warriors playmaker reportedly faints on flight to Las Vegas
Sport Nation • February 26th, 2026 9:49 am
Chad Townsend | Photo: Photosport
Former NRL star Chad Townsend has reportedly fainted and been taken off a flight bound for Las Vegas after falling ill shortly after departure from Sydney.
The ex-Warriors half and premiership winner with the Cronulla Sharks was assisted from the aircraft by paramedics, with fellow passengers required to remain seated while medical staff attended to him.
Veteran rugby league journalist Danny Weidler reported that Townsend had fainted and was experiencing hot and cold symptoms, stressing the incident was not alcohol-related.
"Sharks premiership winner Chad Townsend taken off flight to LA from Sydney by paramedics," Weidler posted on X.
"Rest of passengers had to wait whilst assisted off. Understood he fainted and was feeling hot and cold. Not related to alcohol. He has received treatment and is said to be ok."
Despite the scare, Townsend later shared images on social media showing him safely in Las Vegas ahead of the NRL's season-opening showcase in the US.
Earlier posts from Townsend had shown him at Sydney Airport departures, including one image featuring a beer glass, before later sharing a photo of himself on the ground in Las Vegas.
Townsend, who also enjoyed a stint with the Sydney Roosters, is understood to be recovering well following treatment.
