Eels Blogs

FRANK Pritchard is leaning towards hanging up his boots.

At 34 and after 15 seasons in the top grade, the backrower is weighing up whether to play on for a swan song season or call it a day.

It’s a decision he’s been grappling while representing Samoa in the World Cup and he’s no closer to making up his mind.

Pritchard knows you’re a long time retired and the Eels have left the option on the table for him to play.

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“Rugby league has been a big part of my life and I’m turning that corner where retirement is coming close,” Pritchard told foxsports.com.au.

“I just don’t know what the go is for next year. I’ll leave it up in the air and see how I go from there.

Frank Pritchard of the Eels in action.
Frank Pritchard of the Eels in action.Source: Getty Images
“Parramatta has been good to me and (coach) Brad Arthur has been awesome.

“If I’m there to play next year, so be it but I’ve enjoyed my footy. Footy has done a lot for me and I can leave the game with my head held high.”

It’s understood the Eels have two spots left in their roster for 2018, one for Pritchard and one potentially for Semi Radradra.

Radradra is currently running around in French rugby with Toulon but has the option of returning to the NRL mid-season.

The flyer signed a one-year contract with the Top 14 club with an option for a second season in his favour but the Eels have left room in the salary cap for the Fijian in case he decides to return when the season ends in June.

The other spot in the club’s top 30 is for Pritchard but the Eels recruitment team could soon be searching for a replacement.

NRL scrap cooling off periodNRL scrap cooling off period0:51

Following an honest conversation with the coach, Pritchard said he’ll make a decision “after Christmas” on whether he’ll rejoin the Eels for pre-season training in the new year.

Mindful of blocking a youngster’s pathway and the fitness level required to make it in the NRL, there’s several factors Pritchard is weighing up before making the call.

“There’s an option there,” he said of playing on.

“I’ll see how the body is at the end of the day.

“I’ve had a good 16 years and you have to weigh up whether you can go around next year. The game’s getting a lot faster and the younger kids are pushing behind you.”

Speaking from the Sydney Children’s Hospital where he and fellow Crown International Sports Management players were handing out gifts to children, Pritchard said the visit to the hospital put life into perspective.

Parramatta Eels players Kaysa Pritchard and brother Frank Pritchard.
Parramatta Eels players Kaysa Pritchard and brother Frank Pritchard.Source: News Corp Australia
“Handing out the presents to the kids just before Christmas, hopefully we can put a smile on their face,” he said.

“There’s some kids here who are going through a tough time and have been for most of their lives.

“We realise how tough they’ve got it.

“When you’ve got kids yourself, you take it for granted that kids are healthy and to come out with here with some of the boys and my manager (Mario Tartak) is an honour and privilege.”

While he hasn’t taken too much time to reflect on his journey, there are several highlights which stick out for the New Zealand and Samoan international.

Pritchard started his career with Penrith in 2003 before enjoying stints with Canterbury and Hull FC before landing at the Eels alongside younger brother Kaysa.

Frank Pritchard playing for the Kiwis.
Frank Pritchard playing for the Kiwis.Source: Getty Images
With 11 years between them, it was quite the achievement and a special day for the Pritchard household when the pair took the field together this season.

“You have found memories of when you debut, playing Tests and a couple of grand finals,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of things in my career that I hold close to my heart and one of those is playing with my little brother.

“It’s something my family can take away, there’s a big gap between my brother and I so it was a massive milestone.”