The Parramatta Eels have today announced the signing of New Zealand and Samoan international Frank Pritchard for the 2017 season.

Pritchard joins the Eels from English Super League Hull F.C and has a wealth of NRL experience with over 248 games for both the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. He has played 27 tests for New Zealand and 5 tests for Samoa including captaining last year’s victory over Tonga in the Pacific Test at Parramatta Stadium.

Head Coach Brad Arthur said Pritchard brings a wealth of experience and expects he will provide a strong contribution to the 2017 squad.

“Frank has played at the highest level and I am sure our Members and fans are pleased that we have secured Pritchard as we lead into 2017,” Head Coach Brad Arthur said.

“We have had a strategy over the last two months to retain our key players, and when necessary, bring in strong additions who will allow our squad to progress to the next level. Frank is a good example of a strong addition not only on the field, but as a wealth of knowledge to our developing players."

Pritchard joins Suaia Matagi, Will Smith, Kirisome Auva’a, Nathan Brown, George Jennings, Siosaia Vave and Josh Hoffman as new signings for the Eels in 2017.