The Thunder were unable to take their place this season due to border concerns coming from the state government.

Wagga has since had more confirmed COVID-19 cases, but the former NRL player remains understanding of the decision.

"There is a little bit of inconsistency there but at that point ours was the closest comp to getting started," Purtell said.

"We were only a week away and they had to make a decision and towns wanted to protect themselves from what is going on with the virus, which I can completely understand.

"In hindsight it is really frustrating as there are Albury players in the other comps and even though us as a team weren't able to play I know a few of the guys questioned whether they could go up to Wagga to play but they weren't able to do that either.

"It's frustrating in that sense."

Purtell was set to finish the last of a three-year deal with his hometown club after returning from England.

He's unsure about his future with the club.

"It's a weird situation and we haven't really spoken at this stage," Purtell said.

"We were just going to see how this year worked out but it hasn't really played out at all yet.

"I haven't spoken to Rick since that Friday night as it was a bit deflating for everyone involved after we tried so hard to get the season going and plenty of other stuff has been on my mind at the moment.

"We will probably have a discussion about it soon."

Purtell will be 36 by the time the 2021 season comes around.

However he is still keen to play on at this stage.

"I'm obviously not getting any younger," he said.

"If the body can't get up to the standard it needs to be I won't force myself to play."

However he would like the chance to bid farewell to the game on his own terms.

"I'd be disappointed if last year had to be my last year of playing without realising it was," Purtell said.

"I'm definitely keen and I think this year not playing any footy at all will give my body a bit of a rest.

"With some good training, hopefully a full pre-season and next hiccups then I will be good to go again."

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