Bradford Bulls: Purtell's comeback bid faces final test (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford Bulls: Adrian Purtell's comeback bid faces final test
7:00am Wednesday 5th December 2012 in Sport
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
Adrian Purtell is hoping to be given a clean bill of health by cardiologist Sanjay Sharma
Adrian Purtell will undergo tests today which will determine whether he can resume his playing career.
The Bulls centre has not played since suffering a heart attack in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend defeat to Leeds at the Etihad Stadium on May 27.
Over six months on, he will face a series of stress tests on his heart at the hands of cardiologist Sanjay Sharma at St George’s Hospital in London.
An MRI scan at Leeds General Infirmary last week tested the structure of Purtell’s heart and the initial feedback was positive.
Now, crucially, the function of Purtell’s heart will be tested in a series of exercise stress tests, which will include running on a treadmill and an ultrasound.
Professor Sharma is regarded as the country’s leading sports cardiologist and is spearheading the RFL’s cardiac screening process.
Purtell was told in early September that his heart had repaired itself well and he reported back for pre-season training before being given squad number two for the 2013 campaign.
He should know the full results of his tests within the next week but possibly sooner, and will then be advised l Continued on Page 35by Professor Sharma whether he can play again.
Purtell will be accompanied to St George’s by the Bulls’ head of strength and conditioning Tom Clough and physio Dan Ramsden.
“Ever since I got that positive news when I went to St George’s last time I've had hopes of playing again,” said Purtell.
“The more I’ve been training, I guess those hopes have become greater.
“I’m just hoping for the best from this trip and then we’ll take it from there.
“Everyone at the club has been really supportive and it’s good to have a squad number.
“Tom Clough and Dan Ramsden will see the tests first-hand and I guess they’ll have a few questions for the doctor as well. Hopefully I'll get some good news”
Comments(18)
Blotto
says...
7:52am Wed 5 Dec 12
AdeyG'man
says...
8:09am Wed 5 Dec 12
Mumby was the best
says...
8:21am Wed 5 Dec 12
Uglytruth
says...
8:37am Wed 5 Dec 12
Uglytruth
says...
8:37am Wed 5 Dec 12
Solomon Grundy
says...
8:40am Wed 5 Dec 12
Carlos66
says...
9:18am Wed 5 Dec 12
Steam Pigs
says...
9:22am Wed 5 Dec 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
9:44am Wed 5 Dec 12
Videoref
says...
10:15am Wed 5 Dec 12
kellingtonbull
says...
12:05pm Wed 5 Dec 12
raisemeup
says...
2:36pm Wed 5 Dec 12
The Bulls look forward to seeing you back in the number 2 jersey.
Good Luck and best wishes for your future, Rugby League and the Bulls needs ambassadors like you.
nosher
says...
4:44pm Wed 5 Dec 12
-HCK3R-
says...
5:06pm Wed 5 Dec 12
hemsworthbull formerly known as pontebull
says...
7:24pm Wed 5 Dec 12
What up with shelfish whino. No best wishes from him.
Surprise surprise. Thought he'd be the first one to show his sensitive side.
stubullsfan
says...
8:34pm Wed 5 Dec 12
I hope all the tests go well and would love to see you back in a Bradford Jersey next season
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
6:58am Thu 6 Dec 12
Take a bow son what a man.
THEMANOFSTEEL says...
7:35am Wed 5 Dec 12