Pritchard, the brother of Canterbury's New Zealand and Samoan international Frank, played for feeder club Wentworthville against Penrith in Port Macquarie.

The appearance comes after he was caught allowing Kenny Edwards to take a urine test for him on February 24.

It's understood Pritchard was concerned about taking a sleeping tablet that was not provided by the club doctor.

While Edwards, who has already been sacked by two NRL clubs, will cop a nine-month ban for his role in the incident, Pritchard was cleared to return after a sooner-than-expected recovery from injury. Pritchard is expected to challenge for an NRL spot in coming weeks.

MITCHELL STAYS IN THE COOP

The Sydney Roosters have beaten almost a dozen suitors for the services of the best young player in the game, teen fullback Latrell Mitchell.

The SG Ball player of the year was already contracted to the Roosters for 2016, but that didn't prevent clubs from trying to prize him from the chook pen for future years.

However, the 17-year-old has agreed to terms to an extension that will keep him at Bondi Junction until the end of 2018.

Mitchell, a member of the NSW under 18s representative squad, has been compared to champion South Sydney captain Greg Inglis.

The Taree Red Rovers junior isn't eligible for first-grade before he turns 18 later this month but good judges believe it is only a matter of time before he makes his mark on the NRL.

Mitchell, who is currently playing alongside brother Shaqai in the under NYC team, is considered the Roosters' long-term fullback replacement for New Zealand-bound Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

WARDELL STAYING PUT

Another young gun staying put is Parramatta's Travis Turnbull. One of Queensland's best players in last month's under 16 Origin win against the Blues, Wardell has inked a deal which will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

Two Sydney clubs, as well as the Broncos and Cowboys, were after his signature but the fullback/half decided to remain in blue and gold.

PETITION TO RETAIN TOOVEY

About 1000 fans have signed a petition demanding Manly officials allow Geoff Toovey to see out the remaining two years of his contract.

The petition, on the change.org website, states: "This is a man who played with the heart of a lion bleeds maroon & white he has an awesome record on field. We have a strong leader that we don't need to change. Geoff Toovey is the heart & soul of Manly we need him now more than ever."

Should Toovey get the sack, Manly's District Club is considering offering the former international one of its two seats on the board.

Should that materialise, Toovey will get to eyeball the directors who punted him during board meetings, while also sitting in judgement of the man replacing him, Trent Barrett.

CITY-COUNTRY FIXTURE DECIDED

The newly redeveloped Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct is already slated to host next year's City-Country fixture, and now the plan is to attract Tamworth's first NRL match.

The venue, officially re-opened over the weekend, is one of the best of its kind in the bush.

The capacity has been boosted from about 2500 to 11,000 following a $3.2 million partnership with council, the state government and the Wests Entertainment Group.

The parties overcame staunch opposition from conservationists, motel owners and a handful of prominent footballers, to upgrade the ground 70 metres away from the original version, which has played host to the likes of Andrew Johns, Ellery Hanley and Steve Menzies over the years.

It's understood Canberra and the Gold Coast have expressed interest in taking an NRL match to the new digs.

"Local footy has been dying in recent years and this has really given it a shot in the arm," said Wests Entertainment Group CEO Rod Laing.

"The dream is for an NRL competition game, that's never happened before in Tamworth. We've had the AMCO Cup back in the '70s and '80s and a few trial games but a competition game would be special."

CRONK TO THE SUPER LEAGUE?

Our operatives in the Old Dart are hearing Leeds is hoping to make Cooper Cronk its first signing under the new marquee allowance system.

Eight of the 12 Super League clubs voted in favour of the new rule, which allows them to pay a marquee signing as much as they like - with only the first £200,000 counting on the salary cap.

Not that the flow of talent will be one way.

Several NRL clubs - including the Dragons, Roosters and Storm - have targeted Wigan back-rower John Bateman. At just 21, they reckon he is young enough to adjust to the rigours of the Australian game.

NIELSON'S LEAVE REJECTED

The NRL has rejected Dane Nielsen's quest to seek leave to appeal against his sacking by St George Illawarra.

The unsuccessful application to the NRL appeals committee could end the former Queensland centre's career.

"After consideration, the appeals committee, headed by former High Court Judge Ian Callinan, has rejected Dane Nielsen's bid to seek leave to appeal," an NRL spokesperson said.

Nielsen was sacked after a woman claimed he bit her on the leg while at Cronulla nightspot in March.

RABBITOHS TO RETAIN FORWARDS

Issac Luke's switch to the Warriors has eased salary cap pressures that have may have forced South Sydney to part with some of its star forwards.

The Rabbitohs had earmarked former Origin stars Chris McQueen and Tim Grant as contracted players they may need to shift had Luke not requested a release to head across the ditch.

Souths have managed to retain the nucleus of it premiership-winning side, including re-signing Adam Reynolds, Luke Keary, Alex Johnston and Tom Burgess.

They may still need to shuffle the decks at the end of the season but Luke's move will create some breathing space.

FANS PUT ON NOTICE

The police have issued infringement notices to seven crowd members for their behaviour in the Black Friday clash between Canterbury and South Sydney on April 3.

The match was marred when a handful of spectators threw projectiles onto the field. Two 19-year-old men - as well as four other men aged 21, 24, 31 and 39 - and a 23-year-old woman were issued with infringements. The offence carries a $150 fine.

A 16-year-old male was also issued with a warning under the Young Offenders Act.

CREAGH FLIES UNDER THE RADAR

It's a shame the Daly Cherry-Evans saga overshadowed the retention of another one-club man, Ben Creagh.

The St George Illawarra skipper is poised to break Ben Hornby's mark of 273 appearances for the Red V after securing a one-year extension.

Creagh, who is just 20 games shy of the record, took a significant pay cut to stay put.

There could be more good news for the NRL's 2105 surprise packet, with Melbourne centre Kurt Mann on the radar of the joint-venture outfit.