The Border export is in the intensive care unit of a Leeds hospital after the heart attack just hours after playing for English Super League club Bradford Bulls.
The 27-year-old’s career hangs in the balance after he reported tightness in his chest on the team bus as the Bulls returned to Bradford from Manchester after their 37-22 loss to Leeds Rhinos at Etihad Stadium yesterday.
It’s the second major health scare for the former Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders centre.
Purtell discovered in 2007 he was suffering from deep vein thrombosis after a blood clot was found in his lungs.
Purtell’s mother, Fran, received the traumatic news via a phone call from a club doctor yesterday morning and quickly boarded a flight to Europe to be by her son’s side.
“Adrian had a heart attack,” she told The Border Mail before boarding a flight to Manchester, via Sydney.
“He had a blockage to one of the main arteries to the heart but he’s OK.
“He’s in Leeds hospital and is in good care.
“It was very frightening this morning for everyone.”
Purtell has been ordered to spend a minimum five days in hospital to recover and is believed to be in a stable condition.
Asked if her son would play again, she said
Obviously press hearsay at this moment in time, but if his mother has spoken to the Border Mail directly perhaps it has substance. Very worrying news, but the article does say Purts is in a stable condition, which is all that matters.
