NRL: Frank Pritchard considering joining the Warriors over Hull FC

Frank Pritchard is reportedly considering reneging on a deal to join Hull FC and move to the Warriors. Photo/Getty.

Samoa and former Kiwis international Frank Pritchard is reportedly considering passing over a big money deal with Hull FC to move across the Tasman to join the Warriors.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph reports the Warriors have engaged in secret talks with the former Canterbury and Penrith enforcer.

The 32-year-old forward signed with Hull for two years but is yet to depart Sydney and is reluctant to leave the NRL to move to England to play in the UK Super League.

That deal is now in doubt and the Warriors could emerge as the winner in securing Pritchard's services.

It is believed his manager, Mario Tartak, may head to England on Monday to clarify his client's future with Hull FC.

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle was guarded when speaking to The Daily Telegraph, saying: As far as we're concerned he is going to Hull but, if he doesn't, we would be interested."

Hull may stand firm and Pritchard could be forced to honour the deal, although the club may think twice about having a reluctant player on their books and could decide to set him free.

Pritchard and his wife, Raima, have family here in New Zealand and he is also close mates with a number of Warriors players following his time representing New Zealand in 27 test matches between 2005 and 2013.

The Daily Telegraph speculates that the Warriors would need to cull a big name player from their roster to make way for Pritchard.

Centre Konrad Hurrell has been mentioned as one player who could be moved on, after attracting interest from Super Rugby franchises, although he has recently reiterated his commitment to training hard through the pre-season in the hope of producing his best form next season.

The recruitment of Pritchard would further bolster the Warriors impressive 2016 roster, having already signed Kiwis test duo Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa Sheck and former Cronulla halfback Jeff Robson.

A source close to the discussions told The Daily Telegraph: "Frank has been told he is wanted by the Warriors. He would be a nice fit in Auckland.

"Everyone knows Frank isn't overly excited about going to the UK. If the deal fails to eventuate, he will be at the Warriors."

The Warriors have previously been linked to Manly-bound Kiwis forward Martin Taupau, and are eager to add a destructive ball-runner to add greater balance to their impressive forward pack.