The place is falling apart (penrith that is)
Now Pritchard wants to join Panthers exodus
Glenn Jackson | July 11, 2007
Penrith have spiralled deeper into crisis, with New Zealand international second-rower Frank Pritchard requesting a release from the club.
The Herald understands Pritchard, who has played nine Tests for New Zealand and is regarded as one of the most explosive forwards in the game, asked to cut short his contract on Monday.
The stunning development comes on the back of the club's decision to offer club co-captains Tony Puletua and Luke Priddis releases last week, with further speculation fullback Rhys Wesser and lock Trent Waterhouse were unwanted by the club.
The Panthers declined the verbal request, apparently issued by Pritchard's agent, but the 24-year-old is still considering making a formal application to move to the English Super League.
With the Panthers struggling on and off the field and his friend Puletua on the outer, Pritchard - who is contracted until 2009 - wants to move on.
Already, the Panthers have lost prop Joel Clinton, five-eighth Peter Wallace and halfback Craig Gower for next season, and the loss of Pritchard would arguably be felt more than any of them.
Panthers general manager Michael Leary did not immediately return the Herald's calls.
Priddis has been selected in premier league this weekend, almost three weeks after he was rested by coach Matthew Elliott. Priddis's future is also up in the air, with his manager, David Riolo, saying: "I've contacted quite a few clubs on his behalf. The difficult thing is that most clubs have got an established hooker and it makes it difficult to place Luke at this stage."
