BULLS captain Adrian Purtell will join London Broncos at the end of the season in a player-coach role.

The 31-year-old former NRL centre, who previously enjoyed stints with Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers, has spent the past five years at Odsal.

He will join Andrew Henderson’s men and be involved in supporting and assisting former Bulls team-mate Jamie Langley with the academy squad.

“I’m really looking forward to the move to London for 2017,” said Purtell.

“They’ve had a particularly strong 2016 season – they finished second in the Championship and competed well against Leeds on the weekend, and you can really tell that it’s a close-knit team.

“I’ve had a fantastic five seasons at the Bulls, and can’t thank everyone enough for my time there, but I’m looking forward to a new challenge.

“Combined with the chance to assist Jamie Langley in coaching the academy, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

Head coach Henderson feels it is important to get the balance of your squad right; with an element of experience, players in their peak, and youth.

He said: “Adrian brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field, and given we’ve got a relatively young squad, definitely helps us in that regard. I feel he is a strong acquisition to our team.

“After speaking with him I know he will be a good fit for us. He is a genuine competitor, who, I still believe at 31, has a lot to offer as a player next season.

"He will also be a huge benefit in developing some of our younger players at the club. He has worked under some quality coaches and been in some good systems throughout his career.

“Purts is genuinely excited about joining us and buys into the culture and attitude we have developed here at London.

“We’re all looking forward to his addition to our squad over the next two years.”