Despite losing seven matches by 10 or less points, Purtell said he was buoyed by the fact that the Group 9 club had shown faith in him.

“We have been in every game,” Purtell said.

“I’m not shying away from the fact that I’m disappointed with those losses.

“I really am disappointed with our position on the table but if I didn’t think the boys were putting in the effort and I didn’t see positive signs then I probably wouldn’t be here.

“It’s been a crazy season.

“It’s great the club has backed me in as we’re looking to build and create something special over the next couple of years.”

Thunder has received an early boost with English forward Brad Hill already committing for another 12 months at Greenfield Park.

Purtell is hoping his early reappointment will assist with player retention and recruiting.

“I think this year we were chasing our tails a little bit by getting the three Poms in the week before the first game and then Matt Byatt in mid-season,” he said.

“This should create some stability for myself and the club.

“It gives the players a sense of security as well.

“We can start building on systems which we already have in place. I think the club off the field is heading in a good direction and there are plenty of good young players here.”

While Purtell acknowledged Thunder needed to bolster several positions, he put a full-back, half-back, five-eighth or hooker at the top of his shopping list.

“Potentially someone in the spine would be nice,” he said.

“Injuries have knocked us around a bit.

“We have had four different half-backs and three different full-backs and someone with X-factor would be good.

“That or an old school front-rower.”

Thunder president Rick O’Connell praised the professionalism Purtell had brought to the club and believes the results will show in the next two seasons.

“It’s great Adrian has been able to commit for another two years,” O’Connell said.

“This year has been disappointing in regards to where we are going to finish, but I think everyone in the team and around the club can see there is enormous potential.

“We are going to work hard to keep them together and maybe add a bit of class.

“Keeping Brad is a great start.

“Adrian has put expectations in place and that will only help us going forward.”