The 32-year-old remains contracted to Hull FC, where he helped the Super League outfit achieve their first win at Wembley when they lifted the Challenge Cup.
It's understood Hull is prepared to release Pritchard should he receive an NRL offer.
Pritchard played some of his best football at Canterbury where he made 104 appearances before seemingly signing off on his NRL career. Parramatta are one of the few clubs with the salary cap space to accommodate him.
NRL return: Former Canterbury forward Frank Pritchard may be heading to the Eels. Photo: Getty ImagesA potential sticking point is whether the blue and golds will have to carry a payout to Will Hopoate in the salary cap, while there is also uncertainty about payments to injured forward Anthony Watmough.
It's understood the Eels are poised to offer Pritchard a one-year deal, which raises the prospect of the 272-game veteran breaking the magical 300 mark if he remains fit and the club goes deep into the finals.
Pritchard is a leader in the Polynesian community and Eels powerbrokers view the former Panther as an ideal mentor to a crop of promising young players. The Samoan captain and Kaysa Pritchard have come up against each other at NRL level but this would mark the first time they have played together.
Pritchard enjoyed his stint in England but is keen to return to Australia and believes he has one more season of quality football in him. His signature would add to an already imposing back row that boasts Manu Ma'u, Tepai Moeroa, Beau Scott and Kenny Edwards.
The Eels have been aggressive in recruiting and retaining key players. Since the new administration was appointed, the Eels have signed Josh Hoffman, Siosaia Vave, Nathan Brown and George Jennings. The club has also retained Corey Norman, Ma'u, Danny Wicks, Edwards, Isaac De Gois and Brad Takairangi, while star fullback Bevan French has extended his commitment to Parramatta until the end of 2019.
Parramatta has also won a cross-code battle for the signature ofBlaise Barnes, nabbing the schoolboy rugby sensation on a two-year deal. Youtube highlights of Barnes playing schoolboy rugby have made him an internet sensation.
In a message to members, new Eels CEO Bernie Gurr said the redevelopment of Parramatta's home ground would provide the best sporting entertainment precinct in Australia.
"Our Football Program is in great shape under the leadership of head coach Brad Arthur," Gurr said. "Under difficult circumstances, our players and coaching staff displayed outstanding determination to remain extremely competitive on the field in 2016. We are all excited about our Eels team for 2017."
Replies
Adrian should be giving this place royalties.
Yes, I wonder if Adrian's boss knows where he gets his Parra stories?
i thought it was lifted from here
Errr Vave & Nathan Brown?
What are you saying slippery?
You either think he's over the hill or think the deals not on, i'll guess the first.
I hope we arnt paying big money for him, anything over 250-300k will be big time overs
Great scoop, Capt.
The way I am reading the last couple of messages that have come out of the club, more especially the one from Bevan Paul, who said- Salary cap management overhaul – After years of uncertainty the Club now has 100% confidence in its cap and has confirmed this status with the NRL. The recent round of signings and re-signings for the Eels has been actioned with complete certainty of compliance with the salary cap.
Those words and other snippets have suggested that the club is under the cap for next year. Only issue may be how the NRL value the cranky tank. Other aspect is with Semi with the court case and if guilty the NRL hits him with a suspension, will his contract payment be exempted from the cap? I doubt it but how much an impact it will have.
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