‘Grateful’ Purtell to stay with relegated Bradford

The 29-year-old Australian – who played in the NRL for Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers – has penned a one-year contract, becoming the 15th member of James Lowes’s squad to re-sign for the 2015 campaign.

His heart attack in May 2012, which followed a game against Leeds Rhinos, saw Purtell sidelined for 10 months, but he has scored 10 tries in 21 appearances this year and impressed new coach Lowes.

“I am very grateful to the club and Jimmy (Lowes) for giving me the opportunity to remain a Bradford player for another year,” said the New South Wales-born talent.

“I see the one-year deal as a launchpad, ahead of what is going to be a massive year for me personally.

“I cannot speak on behalf of the rest of the team, but am desperate to ensure an instant return to Super League next year. I feel as though we have a point to prove and things to put right.

“A fantastic squad is being put together behind the scenes, which I believe will give us a great chance of achieving just that.”

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are set to announce the capture of Chris Riley – the winger who has been on loan for most of this season from Warrington – who confirmed yesterday he would leave the Wolves at the end of this campaign.

Forward Taulima Tautai has played his last match for Wakefield after being handed a one-match ban.

The 26-year-old – who will join Wigan next season – was found guilty of a dangerous tackle on Castleford prop Scott Wheeldon and will sit out the Wildcats’ last match of the season against Hull KR on Sunday.