DEPARTING Raider Adrian Purtell doesn't regret knocking back reigning premier Melbourne Storm's overtures last year, despite being forced out of Canberra just a season later.
Purtell drove to Penrith yesterday to start a two-year contract with the Panthers.
The move comes after Raiders coach David Furner told the 24-year-old he was no longer in his plans, despite having two years to run on his contract.
Purtell had previously knocked back an attractive offer from the Storm to remain in Canberra.
He finished the season in the Queensland Cup, while Melbourne went on to claim the premiership.
But despite the way things panned out, Purtell insists he has no regrets.
''I felt the decision was right at the time,'' Purtell said.
''I weighed up all my options, I was happy in Canberra and at the time I thought it was the best option. I could have [won a premiership], but there's a lot of other variables that go into that.
''I still had to make the team there and you never know what's going to happen in a whole year of footy.''
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times