Purtell and Bateman included in 19-man Bradford Bulls squad (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Adrian Purtell and John Bateman included in 19-man Bradford Bulls squad

2:30pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Adrian Purtell has not played since he was sidelined by a heart attack last May

Adrian Purtell is poised to make his first appearance in almost ten months after being included in the Bulls’ squad for Sunday’s home clash with Hull KR.

The Australian centre has not played any kind of competitive rugby league since he was sidelined by a heart attack suffered in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend defeat to Leeds last May.

He was given the green light to resume playing by a specialist in London on Wednesday and looks certain to feature off the bench.

Homegrown back-rower John Bateman also returns to make his first appearance since last August following a shoulder reconstruction during the off-season.

Rookie centre Sam Wood is included in the senior squad for the first time and Jamie Foster is poised to return but Matt Diskin (illness), Matty Blythe (ankle) and Jamie Langley (groin) miss out.

Squad: James Donaldson, Adam Sidlow, Adam O'Brien , Manase Manuokafoa, John Bateman, Sam Wood, Brett Kearney, Nick Scruton, Heath L’Estrange , Adrian Purtell, Keith Lulia, Elliot Whitehead, Elliot Kear, Jarrod Sammut, Danny Addy ,Tom Olbison, Chev Walker, Jobe Murphy, Jamie Foster