He may not be the marquee player we expected (as you put it), but he is exactly the marquee player we needed.

For starters, his signing probably enabled us to then convince Manu, Fonua (who could have got an NRL gig) and Carlos to come over. He is a massive name in rugby league, and to have the chance to play alongside him will have been one of the reasons those I've listed signed. You only need to look at social media to see how much these guys enjoy playing and hanging out together when you stick Talanoa in there as well.

He is the player we needed to get the fans closer to this club. The first time we played Wakey away this year, Frank made sure he spoke to every single fan and posed for pictures with everyone who wanted one. He ended up going back into the sheds about 15 minutes after everyone other player, because he wanted to interact with the fans. Merchandise sales will have increased, purely because of fans wanting his name on the back of their shirt.

Playing wise, he's solid. He has the odd bad game, but there aren't many who don't. Ok so he's not knocking three players out per match and scoring tries for fun, but he works hard. I'm not sure, but it's maybe possible that other players and coaches are aware of his threat and make sure they minimalise that by targeting him? Just a possibility I guess. FWIW, he could maybe do with being moved to the left edge, but Mini has rocked it on that side this year.

We need to remember where we've come from as a club over the last 12 months before we start bagging players on the internet and abusing them at games. The club and players have worked hard to engage with us fans this year, and if we're not careful, I can see it coming undone fairly quickly. Of course it's disappointing we lost out on the LLS on Friday... But who would have thought we'd have been saying that 12 months ago. This year has been fantastic, and is a superb opportunity to build on the foundations they've laid this year. Maybe I'm a happy clapper. Maybe I'm deluded. Ive just had the best year I've ever had as a rugby league supporter that I don't want to end, so just seeing people nit picking at certain things is starting to get on my nerves.

To summarise. Frank is worth every penny IMO.

100% this

Good post.

I don't think we would have had the season we're having without him.

Good effort.

Agree with most of this but I still liked to have seen a bit more from him. Frank is turning into a bit or a Marmite player Imo. Some love him some not. Imo I think he had been a great ambassador for us of the field but he's not hitting the heights for me on the pitch. Still he's had his moments and would like him to stay for the next 2 years . Just like him to up the ante a bit. Maybe some of us expected a bit to much ?

One of the other issues that could be in relation to not seeing the best of Frank is that he has had a bit of a stop start season too in his first season overseas which may well have had an affect on him too. He's had a few injuries along with a international break and the odd ban too which won't help.

Hopefully we will see Frank terrorising the Wigan defence along the flanks with devastating affect and we will march on to a GF spot.

Best post I've seen this year. Frank Pritchard has played a MAJOR part in our best season in 30 odd years. His influence off the pitch is just as important

He's not a middle but we play him as one. We'll never see the best of him unless he gets good game time in his favoured wide position but with mini there what does the coach do?

Manu and Minichello play too many minutes anyway so i would have Pritchard and Ellis on the bench.The interchange then would be Pritchard to take the place of Mini and Ellis to the right edge in place of Manu,
A fresher Mini and Manu when they come back on will benefit the team.
That said its no good Pritchard busting the line and ready to offload unless he has alert players around him,thats why we need Tuimavave back in at left centre.

... I could have sworn I read that somewhere else.

Perfectly summarised.

Wasnt it also said that Pritchards presence around training ground with his vids and general infectious attitude has brought the whole team together?

I thought he also had a pretty good game at Wembley

I am surprised we need Lee Radford with all these wannabe coaches on here who know best.

Totally agree.really hoping he'll get more game time in his favoured position but his stats clearly show he's not here for a holiday. I don't think the the bond between him and the other islanders and how it's spread through the whole team can ever be under estimated. Without that spirit in camp there is no way we would be were we are

I agree.
I think their has been and enhanced team spirit this season which has also contributed to our improved success.
Looks like Frank has been central to the mood in the camp and that in itself is part of his value to the squad.