ADRIAN Purtell might not necessarily strike you as a natural coach in the making, but appearances can be deceiving at times.

The popular Australian centre is joining London primarily as a player next season but will also be assisting Jamie Langley in the Broncos’ academy.

Former Bradford stalwart Langley is making his own progression in the coaching ranks as London’s Under-19s boss and Purtell is open-minded about embarking on a similar career path.

During his five seasons at Odsal, Purtell has played under Mick Potter, Francis Cummins, Jimmy Lowes and Rohan Smith.

“They are all very different coaches, but I’ve enjoyed playing under all four and taken little bits from each of them,” said 31-year-old Purtell.

“I’ll always be grateful for Pottsy for bringing me to Bradford. I feel I’ve had a good working relationship with Mick, Franny, Jimmy and Rohan.

“I would certainly have no qualms about ringing them up for advice on coaching.

“I’ve not had the opportunity to play too much under Rohan, but I’m looking forward to playing my best for him in the last few games of the season.

“First and foremost next year, I want to play and cement my spot in the team at London.

“But working with Langers and learning from Andrew Henderson, another good young coach, allows me to dip my toe in the water to see if coaching is something I want to do after I finish playing.

“I’m going down there to play well and give it my all, but I’m also really focused on doing well with my coaching too, which is only fair on the young guys coming through.”

Purtell is currently halfway through a business and sports management degree which he is studying online at an Australian university.

That could open other doors for him but he is keen to stay in the sports industry when he hangs up his boots.

“I would like to captain or coach my hometown club, Albury, in the country competition they play in,” said Purtell.

“I haven’t played there since I was 17 and I have a little burning desire to represent them again.

“I don’t know what exactly will go on with my coaching career, so I’ll just have to play that one by ear.

“If I end up going home in the next couple of years, then fine.

“If I stay over here coaching, then so be it. I’m quite open-minded and in a good position, which is exciting.”

Purtell’s time at Bradford has included two spells in administration, relegation from Super League and rebuilding his career after a heart attack in May 2012.

He said: “Even though it hasn’t always been ideal, we’ve always had a strong, positive coach here.

“At the end of the day, we have eventually got paid, whenever that may have been.

“I think it actually has helped me to build as a person and I’ve still had five good years there.

“I’ve made some great lifelong friends here with every squad I’ve been involved in.

"If any of these guys drop me a line when I’m back in Australia, I would have no dramas with putting them up at my house. They will be friends for life.”

Two abiding memories stand out for Purtell during his time in the red, amber and black.

The famous win over Leeds at Odsal in Easter 2012 and comeback appearance after his heart attack against Hull KR in March 2013.

“That Hull KR match was a really big game for me because it was a hard time in my career,” said Purtell.

“I can’t thank Bradford enough because they stuck by me and the fans were immense.

“It still gives me goosebumps when I think of the round of applause I received as I came on.

“The Leeds game at Odsal in April 2012, when we first got into financial trouble, also stands out.

“We ended up beating them and it was a great game to be a part of.

“In fact, all the Leeds-Bradford derbies were special and that was new to me when I came here.

“Obviously the NRL has a massive following but the passion from the supporters here is something else with the atmosphere they create.

“The singing and the chanting is unbelievable and has been really overwhelming as a player.

“You really do appreciate it and I can’t thank the fans enough because they have been through a lot as well.

“I genuinely hope Bradford can become a strong club again for the fans and all the people involved there because they deserve it.”

After almost five years in West Yorkshire, Purtell is now planning for his move to the capital.

He said: “Part of the reason for joining the Broncos is to sample life in London.

“I’m just a country boy from New South Wales, so to have the opportunity to play rugby league in the north of England and now in London is great for me.

“It is a cool city and there is so much going on. It’s going to be a great life experience for me and, once I retire, I think I will look back and say ‘that was a great opportunity’.”