Eels Farewell Frank Pritchard

Author: parraeels.com.au
Timestamp: Mon 8 Jan 2018, 02:14 PM

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.

Thank you to all the clubs that allowed me to live my dreams. From a young kid from Claymore I always dreamed of being where I have been for the past 15years, that dream came true. I'm truly grateful for what the game has given me, from this I will take away so many life experiences and memories to last me a lifetime. Just wanted to thank all the fans of the game who have followed my journey, without you all, strapping on those boots and turning up everyday to play would be for nothing. To all my Brothaz who I have played with n against, I wish you the best for 2018 and beyond. To my Family words can't explain how much you guys mean to me, My wife & kids, you guys make me whole, I wore you on my sleeve and in MY heart every time I went out to play, Mum & Dad thank you for everything without you both I would not even be here you guys were there from the start. And my siblings YES all 7 did my head in every week the past 20yrs of playing, yelling and screaming and letting me know every little thing I did wrong 🤣🤣, BUT you guys made me grounded Love you all NOW THATS A WRAP, the TANK is signing out. This isn't the end but a new beginning of a new chapter. @nz_rugby_league @toa.samoa @penrithpanthers @nrl_bulldogs @theparraeels @hullfcofficial

A post shared by Frank Pritchard (@pritchardfrank) on Jan 5, 2018 at 3:49am PST

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