Frank Pritchard

Pritchard out of coma

The 38-year-old was reportedly on life support as a result of complications from Covid-19.

NRL broadcast legend and former coach Phil Gould posted to social media on Saturday night he'd been told by Pritchard's brother the long-time NRL forward was out of a coma and in a ward.

"Lungs are still weak, but in stable condition. Will keep you updated. Prayers are helping. Thanks everyone," Gould posted on Twitter.

Pritchard was believed to have a collapsed lung and other major health issues as a result of the virus.

Former Kiwis forward hit by Covid

Australian media reports said Pritchard was on life support as a result of complications from Covid-19.

The 38-year-old was believed to have a collapsed lung and other major health issues as a result of the virus.

Along with playing 27 tests for New Zealand, Pritchard had a long NRL career with Penrith, Parramatta and the Bulldogs.

He also played in the UK Super League for Hull and made eight appearances for Samoa before retiring at the end of 2017.

     

Frank Pritchard ends NRL career

The back-rower who made his name during stints at Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs, took to Instagram to let the league world know of his plans.

After making his Telstra Premiership debut for Penrith in 2003 and playing 144 matches with that club, the man known as ''Frank the Tank'' switched to the Bulldogs and played a further 104 NRL matches over five seasons.

After a one-year stint with Super League club Hull, Pritchard spent what would prove his final NRL season playing alongside his brother Kaysa at the Parramatta Eels.

Parramatta Eels' Frank Pritchard's training no-show prompts NRL retirement talk

Wide World of Sports understands that the Eels still have two spots available in their top 30 squad, a position that was established in case winger Semi Radradra returns from a rugby union stint.

Pritchard, 34, managed eight games for the Eels last season after returning from the English Super League where he spent a season with Hull FC.

The Eels forward had previously played with the Bulldogs (2011-15) and Penrith (2003-10) and most recently represented Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.

Pritchard yearns for Origin-like treatment for Pacific tests

This Saturday's clash between Samoa and Tonga is arguably the most anticipated clash of the World Cup pool stages with Tonga's strengthened line-up seeking to supplant Samoa as the leading challenger to the dominance of rugby league's Tier 1 nations.

While a Tonga team inspired by Jason Taumalolo and Michael Jennings brushed past Scotland 50-4 in their opening pool game Samoa wilted in the latter stages against New Zealand to go down 38-8 in Auckland, making their task to avoid a likely quarter-final showdown with the Kangaroos that much more difficult.

Frank Pritchard ruled out for Samoa's game against England with foot injury

The Parramatta forward, who was released by Hull to enable him to lead the Samoans against Tonga last May, has been ruled out for up to three months with a foot injury sustained in the Eels' recent defeat by New Zealand Warriors.

Former St Helens second rower Sia Soliola, now with Canberra, looms as the obvious choice to take over as skipper for the May 6 Test but Samoa coach Matt Parish admits the loss of Pritchard is a setback for a match considered vital to preparations for the World Cup.