Former NZ Kiwis hardman Frank Pritchard has returned home to continue his recovery from COVID-19.
Two weeks ago, Prtichard, 38, was reportedly on life support at a Sydney hospital, suffering complications - including a collapsed lung - from the coronavirus that has ravaged parts of Australia.
"Hearts and prayers are with former Bulldog Frank Pritchard, who is in hospital battling COVID," tweeted Canterbury Bulldogs football general manager Phill Gould. "We send all our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
"Our love to Frank's family and friends."
But Pritchard has now taken to social media to confirm he's checked out of hospital and headed home.
"Thank you everyone for your love and support over the last month," he posts on Instagram. "I'm on the mend and doing good.
"I'm able to do my rehab and recovery at home. God bless you all, much love, Frankie."
Pritchard played 256 NRL games with Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels, as well as a stint with Hull in the UK Super League, before retiring in 2017.
He played 27 tests for the Kiwis from 2005-13, before switching allegiance to Samoa, playing eight times and captaining them at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Pritchard's struggles come as COVID-19 rips through the NZ Warriors pre-season camp, and several prominent NRL players - including former Kiwis Jason Taumalolo and Nelson Asofa-Solomona - refuse mandatory vaccinations.
