Former NRL forward Frank Pritchard is said to be in "a stable condition" after complications from COVID-19 forced him to enter hospital for treatment.

Pritchard had suffered breathing issues after contracting the virus and was placed in a coma at Liverpool Hospital.

The 38-year-old is also believed to be asthmatic.

Canterbury football general manager Phil Gould revealed Pritchard was out of his coma after undergoing treatment on New Year's Eve,

"Just an update on Frank Pritchard from his brother," Gould tweeted.

"He's out of the coma and in a ward. Lungs are still weak, but in stable condition."

The popular forward was nicknamed 'Frank the Tank' in his heyday and turned out for Penrith, Canterbury and Parramatta as well as enjoying a stint in the Super League with Hull FC.

Pritchard also won caps for New Zealand and Samoa before retiring in 2017.