The Raiders have agreed to release the former Lavington Panther from his three-year contract if he wants to take up other offers.

Purtell is at present in talks with two English Super League clubs — the Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds — and could sign with one of them before the end of the month.

Former Raiders teammate Lincoln Withers is playing with the Crusaders after he was released from his contract last year.

When asked yesterday if he thought a move to England was a certainty, Purtell replied: “Pretty much”.

“I’m probably in a position where it’s going to be best for me and the club for me to look at my options,” he said.

Purtell knocked back approaches from Melbourne Storm to re-sign with Canberra last year.

However, the 24-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate his 2008 form when he led the Raiders’ try-scoring, spending the season in Canberra’s feeder side, Souths Logan, since being dropped in round 12.

“I guess hindsight’s a wonderful thing,” Purtell said.

“If I had my time again I suppose I might have made some different choices.

“A few of the young guys have come through the ranks and stood up, and that’s obviously the direction the club has chosen to go.

“I think it might be good for me to go somewhere different for a fresh perspective.”

He said he still feels capable of playing his football.

“I think I’m getting back to it, my fitness is pretty good,” he said.

“I think it’s more of a confidence thing for me.

“That’s where the change of scene might be good.”

Souths Logan is two wins away from claiming the Queensland Cup after defeating Tweed Heads in their semi-final clash on Saturday.

“I have started to enjoy things a bit more playing with Souths Logan,” Purtell said.

“It’s a bit more relaxed and they’re a good bunch of blokes so it’s been good to keep my mind off other things.”

Souths Logan, the minor premier, faces the Sunshine Coast at Meakin Park this weekend for a spot in the grand final.

NRL reports — page 41