NRL Rumour Mill Thread (Spoilers/Game Results)
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FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
FRONT-ROWER Danny Wicks has quit the Parramatta Eels and retired from the NRL just three months after signing a two-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old forward informed coach Brad Arthur and his teammates of his decision on Monday, having just returned from his off-season break.
The Eels are now talking to former Penrith and Canterbury Bulldogs enforcer Frank Pritchard as a possible replacement in the Parramatta front-row.
Wicks returned from an 18-month jail sentence to make his NRL comeback at Parramatta in 2015 and played 32 games.
Danny Wicks carries three Cowboys over the line last season.
“Danny has made a wonderful contribution to our club in the last two seasons both on and off the field,” Arthur said.
“He just went home, got married and decided not to come back. Danny’s not driven by money or ego. He’s just a genuine all-round good Aussie bloke.
“We’ll miss his footy but we’ll miss him more as a person. A really great bloke.
“He had a point to prove and he proved it and he’s now ready to enjoy the next part of his life with his family.
“We support that decision and wish him the best.”
Wicks’ manager Steve Gillis confirmed the former Dragons and Knights powerhouse would be retiring from the game altogether.
“He’s keen to return home and live in Yamba and enjoy life,” Gillis said.
“The grind of city living didn’t agree with him. He has a wife and two young kids and wants to spend more time with them.
“He came from almost impossible circumstances to play in the world’s toughest competition having not played for four years. He can be very proud of himself.”
The Eels expect to announce the signing of Pritchard later this week.
FRONT-ROWER Danny Wicks has quit the Parramatta Eels and retired from the NRL just three months after signing a two-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old forward informed coach Brad Arthur and his teammates of his decision on Monday, having just returned from his off-season break.
The Eels are now talking to former Penrith and Canterbury Bulldogs enforcer Frank Pritchard as a possible replacement in the Parramatta front-row.
Wicks returned from an 18-month jail sentence to make his NRL comeback at Parramatta in 2015 and played 32 games.
“Danny has made a wonderful contribution to our club in the last two seasons both on and off the field,” Arthur said.
“He just went home, got married and decided not to come back. Danny’s not driven by money or ego. He’s just a genuine all-round good Aussie bloke.
“We’ll miss his footy but we’ll miss him more as a person. A really great bloke.
“He had a point to prove and he proved it and he’s now ready to enjoy the next part of his life with his family.
“We support that decision and wish him the best.”
Wicks’ manager Steve Gillis confirmed the former Dragons and Knights powerhouse would be retiring from the game altogether.
“He’s keen to return home and live in Yamba and enjoy life,” Gillis said.
“The grind of city living didn’t agree with him. He has a wife and two young kids and wants to spend more time with them.
“He came from almost impossible circumstances to play in the world’s toughest competition having not played for four years. He can be very proud of himself.”
The Eels expect to announce the signing of Pritchard later this week.
BARBA SUSPENDED
Ben Barba has been suspended for 12 matches after returning a second positive sample under the #NRL's illicit drug testing program. He has since been released from his contract by the Sharks, meaning the 12 match ban will apply if he returns to an NRL club in the future.
http://www.nrl.com/barba-released-from-sharks-contract/tabid/10874/newsid/102457/default.aspx
Im gutted to here Wicks has retired as he done so well to turn his life around and gave his all each game but family comes first. I wish him all the best
Ben Barba has been suspended for 12 matches after returning a second positive sample under the #NRL's illicit drug testing program. He has since been released from his contract by the Sharks, meaning the 12 match ban will apply if he returns to an NRL club in the future.
http://www.nrl.com/barba-released-from-sharks-contract/tabid/10874/newsid/102457/default.aspx
Im gutted to here Wicks has retired as he done so well to turn his life around and gave his all each game but family comes first. I wish him all the best
bigrob2307
OzCardTrader
i enjoyed watching Wicks play so thats a bummer he retired but good luck to him for having other priorities in life. All the best i know the fans will miss him
and Barba... what can you say. Anyone know if he requested a release or Sharks pissed him off?
Holmes to Fullback? doubt lose anything if he goes back there
and Barba... what can you say. Anyone know if he requested a release or Sharks pissed him off?
Holmes to Fullback? doubt lose anything if he goes back there
I reckon they have known for a while that some cash would be freed up as it was strange because the reports were the had no room left in the cap, then miraculously agreed to terms with TRex / Heighington / Latimore / Mortimer all in a short space of time so I think they knew he was goooooone.
Eels finally announce the frank Pritchard 1 year deal.
That should be the end to our recruitment drive adding Nathan brown, siosaia vave, josh Hoffman, George Jennings and kirisome avu'ua to the squad.
Plus plenty of re-signings including French, takairangi, Norman, mau and Kenny Edwards
That should be the end to our recruitment drive adding Nathan brown, siosaia vave, josh Hoffman, George Jennings and kirisome avu'ua to the squad.
Plus plenty of re-signings including French, takairangi, Norman, mau and Kenny Edwards
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