Parramatta Eels forward Danny Wicks retires just months after signing new two-year deal

AFTER returning to the game in 2015 following a stint in prison, Danny Wicks has quit the Eels and retired from the NRL just three months after signing a new deal.

Danny Wicks is walking away from rugby league. Picture: Gregg Porteous

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.

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“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.”

Former NRL star Danny Wicks pictured in The Gym at Yamba Pic Jason O'Brien

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.