Wicks quits Eels, retires from NRL

Nov 7, 2016 - 9:54 PM Parramatta forward Danny Wicks has retired from the NRL - just months after extending his contract for a further two seasons.

The former St George Illawarra and Newcastle enforcer played 32 games for the Eels, including 23 this year.

He returned to the NRL in 2015 after serving an 18-month prison sentence on drugs charges.

"Danny has made a wonderful contribution to our club in the last two seasons both on and off the field," coach Brad Arthur told News Corp.

"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."

Wicks signed a two-year contract extension three months ago after initially signing with the Eels on a one-year contract.

In 2011, he was sentenced to a maximum of three years in jail after being found guilty of drug trafficking, eventually serving 18 months of the sentence.

The 30-year-old front rower reportedly told his teammates of his decision on Monday.

"He's a country kid and Sydney's a bit too big for him," Eels five-eighth Corey Norman told Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday.

"That's his decision and I guess he's happy with it, so we're happy for him."

Frank Pritchard will join as Wicks' replacement, with the former Canterbury forward to begin training with Parramatta on Wednesday after agreeing to a one-year deal, according to the Seven Network.

Source: AAP