 Due to the doctors orders he missed Rounds 1-6.He made his comeback and played in ten consecutive games from Round 7 (Hull Kingston Rovers) to Round 16 (Huddersfield Giants) however he missed Rounds 17-18 due to injury but returned to play in Round 19 (Widnes Vikings) to Round 25 (Castleford Tigers).Purtell also featured in the Challenge Cup against Rochdale Hornets and London Broncos.