FORMER NRL star Adrian Purtell will coach Albury Thunder next season.
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Purtell, 32, will relocate to the Border from London in October to take over from caretaker coach Josh Cale.
He has played for the London Broncos and Bradford Bulls since finishing his NRL career with Canberra and Penrith.
Thunder president Rick O'Connell said the club was thrilled to welcome back one of its favourite sons.
"It's very exciting," O'Connell said.
"Adrian always stated that he wanted to come back and play at home and we're really happy it has turned out that way.
"He's obviously going to be great for the younger players at Albury Thunder and he’ll have a network of contacts as well."
Purtell played 64 first grade matches for Canberra and 46 for Penrith before heading to England.
He made 88 appearances for Bradford Bulls between 2012 and 2016 and switched to London Broncos this season.
Cale, who recently took over from Tuki Jackson as caretaker coach, said Purtell would make a huge impact at Greenfield Park.
"It's fantastic news," Cale said.
“Players with Adrian’s experience don’t come along every day and I think he’ll be great for Albury Thunder.
“The kids are going to be able to tap into his knowledge for a start.
“He’s the only player from Albury to play 100 NRL matches and, for him to come back and play, will be fantastic for the area.
“It’s great to have him back at the club because I know it’s something he always wanted to do.”
Purtell debuted for Canberra in round one, 2006, against Manly after coming through the ranks with Albury Rams and Lavington Panthers.
He was named the Raiders’ Rookie of the Year that season.
Purtell was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in 2007 which came as a huge blow as he had just consolidated his spot in the centres.
In 2012, he suffered a heart attack and was forced out of the game for 12 months.
It remains unclear where Purtell will play himself next season.
“I think it will just depend on what suits the side best,” O’Connell said.