Adrian Purtell returns for Bradford after heart attack

Bradford Bulls centre Adrian Purtell said he felt "relieved" at getting his comeback match out of the way after playing his first game since suffering a heart attack in May 2012.

Having been given the all-clear by specialists last week, the 28-year old Australian played the final 55 minutes in their 34-12 victory over Hull KR.

"There were times when it felt like I might never get back," said Purtell.

"It was awesome... I've always had this goal to get back playing."

Purtell suffered a heart attack in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend defeat against Leeds in Manchester.

He had played and showered before starting to feel unwell as he left the changing rooms and boarded the team coach.

The coach got as far as Huddersfield before staff realised the extent to which his health had deteriorated. It pulled off the M62 at Huddersfield before Purtell was taken to hospital and told he was suffering a heart attack.

Having returned to action, he said he is looking forward to resuming his career.

"I'm now glad we've got this game out of the way so we can focus on Bradford as a team, as we are playing really well at the moment," he said.

"I think it's more relief to have played. I'm very happy to get that amount of minutes in my first game.

"We can now put my misfortune 10 months ago behind us.

"I felt fine - the coaching staff have got me in really good shape - although the contact I've only been doing this week so that was a bit out."