Bradford's Purtell had heart attack - club

AFP
Bradford Bulls players seen in a file photo from 2006

LONDON (AFP) –

Bradford Bulls lift the Rugby League World Club Challenge trophy after beating Wests Tigers at The Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, northern England, February 2006. Australian rugby league centre Adrian Purtell suffered a heart attack following Bradford’s Super League clash with Leeds on Sunday, the club confirmed Tuesday.

Australian rugby league centre Adrian Purtell suffered a heart attack following Bradford’s Super League clash with Leeds on Sunday, the club confirmed Tuesday.

Purtell, 27, was taken to hospital after complaining of feeling unwell and is expected to remain at the Leeds General Infirmary for the remainder of the week.

“Adrian had an immediate primary angioplasty to remove the blockage in his artery but both the club and the player wish to point out that at no time did he suffer a cardiac arrest,” Bradford manager Stuart Duffy said.

“His heart did not stop beating and he was conscious throughout the journey to hospital. Adrian is feeling much better today but will remain in hospital for the next few days for further tests.”

Purtell’s mother, Fran, earlier told Australian media her son was “okay” after the heart scare.

“Adrian had a heart attack,” she told the Albury Border Mail before boarding a flight to Britain.

“He had a blockage to one of the main arteries to the heart but he’s okay. He’s in Leeds hospital and is in good care.”

Asked if her son would play again, she said: “I don’t know,” adding that he had been feeling unwell ahead of the game.

Purtell suffered a heath scare in 2007 when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis after a blood clot was found in his lungs.

App download animated image Get the free App now