Pritchard excited by NRL comeback

By Greg Prichard

March 12, 2017

FRANK Pritchard admits he thought it was over for him in the NRL after he left Canterbury to go to Super League at the end of 2015 and he congratulates Eels coach Brad Arthur for having the guts to give a 33-year-old forward a shot.

“It’s great to be back,” Pritchard says as he prepares to come off the bench for Parramatta against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium on Sunday. He made his Eels debut with a 19-minute cameo in which he racked up 64 metres in the first-round win over Manly.

“When you sign with the Super League you think you’re finished in the NRL, there’s no way back. But for me I went over there and had some goals in mind with Hull FC and we achieved a big one, winning the Challenge Cup.

“So it was a pretty easy decision to come back if there was an opportunity and I’m grateful to Brad Arthur for giving me that chance.

“There were probably pros and cons about it for him, but for me it was a case of grab it with both hands and come back and play in the NRL with my little brother (Kaysa) and to represent this great club.”

Pritchard had 13 seasons with the Bulldogs before his single season in England.

“I’m trying to help the younger guys come through, that’s part of my job, but I’m also here to make my own contribution to the team,” he says.

“I might be 33, but it’s just a number. I still believe within myself that I’ve got a lot to give to the team and if I didn’t think so I would’ve just given it away. I love being around the younger boys, they push me as much as I push them. It’s just good to be back.”

http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/pritchard-excited-nrl-comeback/?adbsc=social_20170311_70708746&adbid=840698866815000576&adbpl=tw&adbpr=197319848

Replies

Ron March 12, 2017 at 10:19am

"Pritchard had 13 seasons with the Bulldogs before his single season in England." - lol they really got that one wrong
- Mo > Ron March 12, 2017 at 2:35pm
  
  Too lazy to research some of these journo's nowadays.
Thooper Dooper Maltese Sparrow March 12, 2017 at 10:39am

I can recall people on here saying that Kaysa and Frank didn't get on?
Probably the same people who said Hayne was a done deal, take it to the bank etc.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown March 12, 2017 at 10:56am

Yep, everybody is excited at a new club, big fan of Frank here but he was very poor last week, it was like he was running on a treadmill out there, he was running with no purpose or aggression and was struggling to get a head of steam up, first game back after a long break i understand that but looking for a much better game from Frank today.
- Muttman > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown March 12, 2017 at 12:06pm
  
  Agreed. On last weeks form there's young buys in Wendy ahead of him. Hope he can step up to what is expected of him. If he can he'll be a great asset
- Muttman > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown March 12, 2017 at 12:06pm
  
  Buys in Wendy? Wtf? Lol
  guys in Wenty ffs
- realeel 86 > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown March 12, 2017 at 12:26pm
  
  Avaeraged over 9 metres per run. Thought he did alright.
- Yobz > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown March 12, 2017 at 4:29pm
  
  Wendy's does have some nice donuts
Glenn Lifetime Eel March 12, 2017 at 11:26am

Lets hope he is more excited this week than last week. He looked almost comatose and only made one decent charge, common' Frank, at least 2 decent charges this week!
Buzzaro March 12, 2017 at 11:56am

Ran for 9.14 metres per run last week. 3rd best average behind only Manu and Semi. Not sure what game you blokes were watching....