Tests give Purtell hope of resuming Bradford Bulls career (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Tests give Purtell hope of resuming Bradford Bulls career

6:30am Friday 7th September 2012 in Bulls By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Adrian Purtell’s hopes of playing again have received a boost after tests confirmed his heart had made steady progress in his recovery.

The Australian Bulls centre has not played since suffering a heart attack in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend defeat to Leeds at the Etihad Stadium in May.

But he underwent tests at the hands of a sports cardiologist at St George’s Hospital at London on Wednesday and the initial feedback was positive.

A report will now be sent to Purtell’s regular cardiologist in West Yorkshire and talks will be held with the Bulls’ medical staff as to whether Purtell can resume his playing career.

The 27-year-old told the T&A: “It was definitely positive news as I was told my heart has made progress and repaired itself well.

“The blood must have got through it quickly enough for it to do that and the results from the tests I had were really encouraging.

“I’m going to have more tests – including an MRI scan in a month’s time – so it could still be drawn out before I know which way it’s going to go.”

Purtell is not getting ahead of himself but Wednesday’s visit has nevertheless filled him with cautious optimism that he may run out for the Bulls again.

The close-season signing from Penrith had impressed until being struck down just three months into the campaign.

“I don’t want to say I’ll definitely be back playing, although this doctor said I have a chance of playing,” said Purtell.

“There’s plenty more that needs to happen but the doctor at St George’s was very positive and said my heart is on the mend.

“It’s now a case of waiting for the report to be written and for that to then be sent to my cardiologist up here and the club doctor.

“I wasn’t expecting this. After me doing the three or so tests, they said there was a chance of me playing, so it was definitely good news.”

Meanwhile, Olivier Elima yesterday became the latest Bulls player to confirm his departure from Odsal .

The France skipper is to rejoin tomorrow’s opponents Catalan Dragons on a two-year deal and follows Tom Burgess , Kyle Briggs , Ben Jeffries , Ian Sibbit in leaving the club at the end of the season.

Elima is included in the 19-man squad for tomorrow’s game but there is no place for Shaun Ainscough and John Bateman , Craig Kopczak , Karl Pryce and Jamie Langley all miss out through injury.

The Bulls must beat Trent Robinson’s side and hope Salford overcome Wakefield if they are to sneak into the final play-off spot.