FORMER NRL star Adrian Purtell will return home to coach Albury Thunder next season.
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Purtell, 32, will relocate to the Border from London in October to take over from caretaker coach Josh Cale.
He has played for the London Broncos and Bradford Bulls since finishing his NRL career with Canberra and Penrith.
Thunder president Rick O'Connell said the club was thrilled to welcome back one of its favourite sons.
"It's very exciting," O'Connell said.
"Adrian always stated that he wanted to come back and play at home and we're really happy it has turned out that way.
"He's obviously going to be great for the younger players at Albury Thunder and he has a network of contacts as well."
Cale, who recently took over from Tuki Jackson as caretaker coach, echoed O'Connell's comments.
"It's fantastic news," Cale said.
“He’s a local with plenty of experience behind him and I think he’ll have a huge impact.”
Purtell played 64 first grade matches for Canberra and 46 for Penrith before heading to England in 2012.