Frank Pritchard

Frank Pritchard ‘stable’ as NRL great fights for life following Covid complications

The update comes a day after Channel 9 reported Pritchard was on life support with a collapsed lung, among other issues due to the virus.

The Daily Telegraph also reported Pritchard had been in the ICU at Liverpool Hospital and has had an ongoing problem with asthma issues.

According to Gould, though, Pritchard is “stable”.

“Just an update on Frank Pritchard from his Brother. He’s out of the coma and in a ward. Lungs are still weak, but in stable condition. Will keep you updated. Prayers are helping. Thanks everyone,” Gould tweeted.

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.