ADRIAN Purtell has been charged with leading Bradford Bulls back into English Super League.
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Purtell will take over the captaincy from Chev Walker, after last season’s skipper joined coach Jimmy Lowes’ staff.
The former Albury player joined Bradford in 2012 and is coming off his best season with the club.
“It’s a massive honour,” Purtell said.
“Bradford is such a big club over here and to get the opportunity to be captain of the side is something I'll cherish.
“I can't wait to make the most of the opportunity.”
Bradford missed out on promotion this year when it lost to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 24-16 in the final match of the season.
Purtell, who played in the centres, five-eighth and back row, scored 16 tries in 26 matches.
He also had 18 try assists, made 2086 metres and broke 48 tackles.
“I’m looking forward to leading a great bunch of blokes in what is a massive year for the club,” he said.
“We narrowly missed promotion in the play-off game, losing by eight points, but I’m looking forward to helping Bradford back to the top league.
“It was probably my best season over here so I’m looking forward to it.
“I stepped in a few times last season when Chev Walker was injured and did my best.
“Now, I’m aiming to develop and go one step further.”
The signing of Super League star Ben Kavanagh is a huge boost to Bradford’s chances of promotion.
Kavanagh has switched from Widnes Vikings and joins a host of Scotland internationals at the club.
Purtell, 30, played 64 matches for Canberra Raiders and 46 at Penrith before making the move to England.
He was crowned the Raiders’ Rookie of the Year in 2006 and went on to score 45 tries in the NRL.
His career looked over months after arriving at the Bulls following a heart attack in May, 2012.
Purtell complained of tightness in his chest on the team bus as the Bulls returned to Bradford from Manchester after losing to Leeds Rhinos.
He courageously fought back and resumed playing almost 12 months later.
It was the second major health scare of his career after it was discovered in 2007 he was suffering from deep vein thrombosis after a blood clot was found in his lungs.
Although Bradford has previously had a strong Canberra Raiders connection, Purtell is now the only Australian in the team.
Purtell will return to Australia for Christmas before Bradford starts its season in February.
