Parramatta Eels make play for former Bulldogs star Frank Pritchard
- Adrian Proszenko
- Frank Pritchard could make a shock NRL return at Parramatta. He is a chance of joining younger brother Kaysa at the Eels in 2017 following secret negotiations to reactivate his career in Australia.
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 Images
A 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 of
Blaise 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."
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...ogs-star-frank-pritchard-20161028-gsd7ys.html
