Looks like he and Matagai are most likely on their way for F**k sake how many forwards do we need
FORMER Kiwi star Frank Pritchard is poised to make a shock return to the NRL with Parramatta his likely home.
Turning 33 in November, Pritchard looked set to finish his career in England after signing a three-year-deal with Hull FC at the end of 2015.
But instead the veteran backrower will forgo the final two years of his contract in the Super League and return to Australia for a swan song.
After helping Hull FC win the Challenge Cup, Pritchard now wants the one prized that has eluded him his entire career — an NRL premiership ring.
Pritchard was 18th man for Penrith’s 2003 premiership win and played in a losing Canterbury outfit in 2014 but has never won an NRL title.
Frank Pritchard after a tackle.Source: News Corp AustraliaPritchard believes the Eels could deliver him the final piece to his already decorated career. Foxsports.com.au can reveal that Pritchard has an option in his contract which will allow him to leave England and return to Australia with the Eels ready to pounce.
A deal could be struck as early as this week which would see the barnstorming backrower join younger brother Kaysa on a 12-month deal.
Before the Eels can table a contract, they must first sort out the respective contract situations with Will Hopoate and Anthony Watmough.
Frank Pritchard of New Zealand in action.Source: Getty ImagesPritchard’s arrival would not only provide the blue and gold with over 200 NRL games of experience and 27 Tests for the Kiwis but will add great leadership to the group.
After leaving the Bulldogs in a selfless move to help them free up salary cap space which would allow them to keep young stars David Klemmer and Josh Jackson, Pritchard came close to linking with the Warriors.
The Auckland based club made Pritchard a lucrative offer this time last year but chose to honour his deal where he joined ex NRL players Mahe Fonua, Gareth Ellis, Sika Manu and Mark Minichiello.
Frank Pritchard in action.Source: News Corp AustraliaThe arrival of Pritchard will only further strengthen the Eels’s roster which has welcomed Josh Hoffman, Nathan Brown, George Jennings, Siosaia Vave and Will Smith ahead of season 2017.
Couple the new additions with the re-signing of Bevan French, Corey Norman, Manu Ma’u, Kenny Edwards and Brad Takairangi, and the club is building for a bright future.
The club has also been linked with Panthers hard man Suaia Matagi.
The 28-year-old was not re-signed by the mountain men and weighing up his options.
Replies
Does anyone think there is a slight possibility of next years starting line up cause its looks good to me (this includes the semi and hunt swap)
1. French
2. Semi
3. Takka
4. Jennings
5. Hoffman
6. Gutho
7. Norman
8. Mannah
9. IDG/Nelson
10. Wicks
11. Mau
12. Scott
13. Morea
14. Pritchard
15. Vave
16. Brown
17. Edwards
50mins a game is plenty for a forward, he has the experience to win the big games, very dangerous in the opposition red zone, can draw a big number of defenders with killer offload, I would sign him without hesitation. We already have the mongrel with other forwards he would provide plenty of second phase options! Lets sign him up for one last season!!!!
so your saying hunt isnt a good 7 plus IDG attack may get get better behind some real get go from the forwards
A dynamic 9 would be good. Perhaps a solid 9 would fit the team better if we have so much creativity elsewhere.
I hope they are true but I don't know much about Matagai
ILL BE BACK
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