Adrian Purtell has been handed a massive boost after being given the green light to resume his playing career.

The Bulls centre’s future was plunged into serious doubt when he suffered a heart attack in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend encounter with Leeds at the Etihad Stadium on May 27.

The end of his long road to recovery is now finally in sight after leading sports cardiologist Sanjay Sharma told him he could start playing again in three months.

Purtell must take medication as a procedure for nine months after his heart attack and is still unable to take part in full contact training, but he should be back in contention to play again in March.

The 27-year-old Aussie recently had an MRI Scan at Leeds General Infirmary before undergoing intensive stress tests at St George’s Hospital in London on Wednesday, which gave him the news he craved.

“I couldn’t have hoped for any better news,” said Purtell.

“I’m delighted because I still feel I’ve got a lot of years left in my playing career. I went down there on Wednesday with high hopes, even though I was expecting the worst, and it’s been a great outcome.”

Professor Sharma put Purtell through a series of tests on Wednesday and the former Penrith Panthers man added: “I was on a treadmill with an ECG and it gradually got harder on a bigger incline.

“They monitored how my heart responded and Professor Sharma has been awesome to deal with.

“He was very blunt and put things in layman’s terms.”

Purtell will head back home to Australia to see friends and family at Christmas.

He added: “I’m on medication for my blood, which I need to keep taking for another three months.

“I’ve then got another appointment in three months, which is just a check-up, but I should be okay to play after that.

“I haven’t even thought what game I’m going to come back for.

“I’m just going to train hard for the next couple of months to get my body right.

“Hopefully I’ve had all my bad luck now and can just get back to playing almost a full season with the boys.

“I’m a big fan of Christmas, so I’m looking forward to being home with my family and friends, especially on the back of this kind of news.”

Bulls coach Francis Cummins said: “It’s great news for Adrian and for us as a club and a team.

“It wasn’t that long ago we were hoping that Purts was simply going to have his health and that he could just live his life.

“To get this news is huge for us.”

Meanwhile, Brian Noble will be selling copies of his new book at the Bulls’ Christmas Fayre on Sunday between midday and 5pm.

Jamie Langley is also holding a stall selling his We Are Taurus merchandise and there will be a Tombola with items donated by the Bulls players.