Adrian Purtell insists it is “business as usual” tomorrow as he prepares to return to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since suffering a heart attack almost 12 months ago.

On May 27 last year, the Bulls centre played the full 80 minutes of the energy-sapping 37-22 Magic Weekend defeat to Leeds in searing heat. He 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 Purtell oxygen and put him on a drip before diverting the team coach to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

The former Penrith Panthers man was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary later that evening, where he underwent life-saving surgery to remove a blockage in his artery.

Purtell was told in December he could resume his playing career as, despite some slight scarring, a series of tests showed his heart was functioning normally.

He made his comeback against Hull KR in March and has since started the Bulls’ last ten matches, re-establishing himself as a key figure in Francis Cummins’ side ahead of tomorrow’s Magic Weekend clash with Huddersfield.

Purtell said: “I’m trying to keep it business as usual as much as possible. I’m pretty much taking it as just another game and just another ground to play at.

“It’s probably other people who are thinking about it more than me. “I remember the atmosphere last year and hopefully I’ll be able to enjoy more of that after the game this time.

“I’ve played ten games in a row now and after each game I’ve felt better fitness-wise.

“I’ve not tried to put too much thought into it. If I thought about it, it would make me more nervous, but I’m confident with where I am at the moment.

“It will be nice to play the game and get it over and done with but, more importantly, it’s about building towards the last 12 games of the season.”

When Purtell made his long-awaited return off the bench against Hull KR on March 17, it marked the culmination of months of hard work.

The support of his team-mates, family and the wider rugby league community helped him during that period.

“The standing ovation I received when I came back against Hull KR was unbelievable, it was a bit overwhelming,” admitted Purtell, who has scored four tries since returning to action.

“The boys are pretty ruthless. When I first got back after missing so much training they were giving me a bit but they’ve not really mentioned what happened a year ago and I’m pretty happy with that.

“They’re just used to me being back in the team now and that’s the way it should be. They don’t look at me as ‘the guy who had a heart attack last year’.

“I feel pretty much like I would’ve before it happened. It just seems like normal now, touch wood.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for the support I received and even now, when I play at away matches, I get people coming up to me saying, ‘It’s great to see you back playing.’

"That makes me feel good. I had so many messages it was overwhelming. I got so many cards but the ones I got from my mum, Francine, are still on the windowsill.

“She’s my biggest supporter and flew over to see me against Leeds last time but she’s gone home now.

“She sends me a message after every game, which she always has done ever since I was a kid.

“She makes sure I’m okay but she did that even before the heart attack.”

Given that Purtell is in the middle of a rich run of form, he is more focused on collecting the two points on offer against the high-flying Giants.

He said: “I don’t think there will be that much emotion for me, I just hope we win the game and play well.

“The emotions were probably stronger in the first two or three games back but they may come after Sunday’s game is over and done with.”