The 38-year-old former Canterbury, Penrith, Hull and Parramatta player was on life support in Sydney's Liverpool hospital at the turn of the year as a result of complications from the virus.

Pritchard had suffered breathing issues after contracting the virus and was placed in a coma. He is believed to be asthmatic.

Pritchard on Monday took to social media to give a positive update on his condition.

"Thank you everyone for your love and support over the last month," he wrote on Instagram after returning home.

"I'm on the mend and doing good. I'm able to do my rehab and recovery at home. God bless you all, much love, Frankie."

Nicknamed 'Frank the Tank' in his heyday Pritchard won caps for New Zealand and Samoa and was also a member of Hull's Challenge Cup-winning team in 2016.

He retired in 2017.

Australian Associated Press