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Eels Farewell Frank Pritchard

The Parramatta Eels would today like to acknowledge and thank forward Frank Pritchard, who announced his retirement late last week.

A career spanning 15 years, Pritchard played 280 First Grade games with four different Clubs; Penrith Panthers (2003-10), Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (2011-2015), Hull FC (2016) in Super League before the 2017 season the with Parramatta Eels.

Frank also played 27 representative games with New Zealand, 1 NRL All Stars game and 5 games for Samoa, including captaining the side in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Pritchard debuted for the Eels against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round One of the 2017 season, becoming the official 784th Blue & Gold Player. 

A year interrupted with injury, the forward finished with eight games for the Blue & Gold in the 2017 season, noting playing alongside younger brother Kaysa as a great milestone.

“It was a great milestone for my family to see us play together, with the a massive age gap between me and my brother and it was a rare opportunity for us to end up in the same club playing in the same team.” Frank Pritchard said. 

At the Eels, Pritchard was a fan favourite and popular amongst his teammates for his leadership skills. 

“There’s a couple things I want to do. I had a coffee shop before leaving to play for England, so the plan is to open up another one.” Pritchard said of his future. 

“The main priority is the coffee shop, but to also do some welfare work with troubled kids and work with youth.” 

“I also want to stay involved with footy and maybe coach some Junior League.”

“I want to thank the Eels for the opportunity to let me play and I’m truly honoured and grateful to play in the Blue and Gold jersey.” Pritchard added. 

The Parramatta Eels would like thank Frank for being a part of the Blue and Gold and we wish him all the best in the future.

Acknowledgement of Country

Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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