Frank Pritchard during a Kiwis training session in 2013. Photo / Getty Images
Frank Pritchard during a Kiwis training session in 2013. Photo / Getty Images
Former Kiwis great Frank Pritchard was in hospital fighting for his life on Saturday, following complications after he contracted the Covid virus.
Pritchard, who played 27 tests for New Zealand between 2005 and 2013, was reported to be on life support at one stage, with Channel Nine claiming he hada collapsed lung and breathing difficulties.
The Daily Telegraph said Pritchard, 38, has been in the intensive care unit at Liverpool Hospital in western Sydney.
On Saturday evening Canterbury-Bankstown football general manager Phil Gould updated that Pritchard, who is also believed to be asthmatic, was in a "stable condition".
"Just an update on Frank Pritchard from his brother," Gould wrote on Twitter. "He's out of the coma and in a ward. Lungs are still weak, but in stable condition."
Pritchard of Samoa looks on during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Getty Images
Earlier on Saturday his former Bulldogs and Kiwis teammate Krisnan Inu posted on Instagram that Pritchard wasn't 'doing well in hospital'.
"If there was ever a time I needed to ask for a favour, it'll be right now.. asking for prayers from youse all for my uso @pritchardfrank who's not doing so well in hospital right now," wrote Inu.
"Families wishes to keep it to prayers. No need for further details. Let them be. But please, pray for my bro.. keep strong my uso. Wish we could be by your side."
Pritchard made his Kiwis debut in the 2005 Anzac test against Australia. He was part of the famous 38-28 win over the Kangaroos later that year – which ended a long Sydney drought for the Kiwis and also appeared in the 2006 Tri-Nations final, where New Zealand was edged 16-12 in extra time.
Pritchard missed the 2008 World Cup due to injury, but featured in the Kiwis' 2013 campaign, appearing in the black and white V for the final time against Scotland in Leeds.
Ports of Auckland sacked workers protest joined by Canterbury Bulldogs rugby league star Frank Pritchard in 2012. Photo / Chris Loufte
He then switched allegiance to Samoa, playing eight tests over the next four years, including three at the 2017 World Cup.
Pritchard's NRL career was notable for its longevity and its impact, as he was nicknamed 'Frank the Tank', due to his blockbusting runs and his powerful charges on the edge.
He made his first grade debut for Penrith in May 2003, racking up 144 matches for the Panthers across eight seasons, with 37 tries.
Pritchard moved to Canterbury at the start of the 2011 season, notching up 104 games for the Bulldogs across five years. He appeared in two grand finals for the Belmore-based club, in 2012 (versus the Melbourne Storm) and 2014 (versus South Sydney).
Pritchard is tackled during the first NRL semifinal match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2015. Photo / Getty Images
Pritchard, who also had a one season stint with Parramatta in 2017, played a total 256 first NRL games, with an impressive 57 tries. He also had one season in Super League with Hull FC in 2016 (26 games, five tries).
Hearts ❤️ and prayers 🙏 are with former Bulldog Frank Pritchard who is in hospital battling Covid. We send all our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Our love to Frank’s family and friends. #proudtobeaBulldog
