Having landed in Townsville after a mid-season switch from Cronulla to the Warriors in 2021, the 192-game playmaker has ticked every box expected by coach Todd Payten.
Townsend will offer crucial assistance to Taumalolo and ensure the Cowboys have an official skipper on the park when the barnstorming lock is spelling on the bench.
"Chad is our on-field general," Payten said.
"The leadership he has provided with his talk and direction out on the park mirrors the enormous efforts he goes to off the field to promote and grow our club.
"This was an easy decision for myself and the coaches and it certainly wasn't a surprise for our players.
"We brought Chad to be a leader and that's exactly what he's provided us."
Contracted to North Queensland until the end of 2024, Townsend described being skipper as an "absolute honour".
"When you look at the history of the Cowboys and the players who have gone before me to have the opportunity to lead this club is extremely humbling," the 2016 premiership winner said.
"I am fortunate enough to be able to share this role with a fantastic leader in Jason and I'll support him in any way I can."
Taumalolo took over as the club's lone skipper early last season after Michael Morgan's sudden medical retirement due to a shoulder injury.
13°C