PROMOTION from the English Championship is driving new Bradford captain Adrian Purtell ahead of the upcoming season.
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The versatile centre, who grew up and played in Albury, is entering his fifth year in the UK and first since being named captain of the Bulls.
While several clubs have their eyes on a place in the Super League, Purtell believes his side has an advantage after the heartache of losing their promotion playoff to Wakefield in October.
“We’ve got the same core team,” Purtell said.
“We’ve made a few additions but I think the main thing that will make us stronger will be losing that game (against Wakefield).
“I haven’t felt that bad after a game for a very long time.
“We probably only lost it in the last 10 minutes.
“Everyone wants to play in the Super League over there, so it was very hard to take.
“Hopefully throughout the year it will give us that motivation we need to get automatic promotion.
“It would be even more special to be the leader that got us back to the Super League.”
Purtell, who turns 31 in late January, has been home visiting family over Christmas and will head back to the UK next week.
He’s proven to be an outstanding signing since arriving from Penrith Panthers ahead of the 2012 campaign and can’t wait to be captain.
“The last few years I’ve probably become more of a leader,” Purtell said.
“I think that happens naturally as you get a bit older.
“Hopefully I can lead by example and show some of the younger lads how to go about it. It’s not something you set out as a goal but when the coach said he wanted me to do it I was proud as.
“Hopefully I do a good job of it and we get promoted this year.”
Purtell started his professional career at Canberra Raiders, playing 64 games before moving to Penrith, where he played 46.
Purtell has 79 games under his belt at Bradford and barring injury, will reach the ton at the Bulls.
“The body is really appreciating the break because we’ve got another big year ahead of us,” Purtell said.
“I just signed a two-year deal.
“I do miss home and seeing family and friends but it’s a great opportunity to play the sport I love.
“I’ll see how I feel at the end of the two years.
”I’ve been home before then but it’s nice to be around family and friends at this time of year.”
The Bulls will play their first pre-season game on January 24 against Leeds Rhinos. Championship begins on February 7 against Featherstone Rovers.
