Adrian Purtell has been handed a ringing endorsement by coach Francis Cummins as he prepares to make an emotional first return to the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

The Bulls centre suffered a heart attack in the aftermath of the Magic Weekend defeat to Leeds at the home of Manchester City 12 months ago.

It threatened to end his career but Purtell not only returned to action in March, he has rediscovered his best form and started the Bulls’ last ten matches, scoring four tries.

Cummins has paid tribute to the manner in which his player embarked on a long, hard road to recovery to produce the goods on the field ahead of Sunday’s clash with Huddersfield.

He said: “It might be strange for Adrian in that he had a heart attack after the last time he played there.

“But he’s playing really well for us – he’s been great in the centre and good on the wing too.

“His form has been great and he knows there is nothing wrong with his heart otherwise he wouldn’t be anywhere near a game.

“Yes, mentally he knows what happened last year but it’s a no-brainer for Adrian because physically there’s nothing wrong with him.

“I’d be more worried about me if I had to play! Adrian’s fit and raring to go as usual this weekend.”

Purtell, who played the full 80 minutes of last year’s energy-sapping 37-22 defeat in searing heat, initially complained of feeling unwell shortly after the game and began to suffer chest pains.

As his condition worsened during the journey back to Bradford, the club’s medical staff gave him oxygen and put him on a drip before diverting the team coach to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

The former Penrith Panthers player was transferred to the coronary-care unit at Leeds General Infirmary later that evening, where he underwent an immediate primary angioplasty to remove a blockage in his artery.

Cummins added: “It’s amazing that a year on he is back to where he was.

“He’s got his career back and now he’s thinking ‘I’m going to get everything out of it’.

“Adrian deserves immense credit for that.”