Queensland Cup cult hero and Ipswich Jets winger — who tried out with Melbourne Storm — dies, aged 28, after car carsh

An Ipswich Jets and Queensland Cup cult hero — and Melbourne Storm triallist — has died suddenly in Queensland, aged 28 years.

WARNING: Readers are advised that this story contains the name and images of an Indigenous sportsman who has died.

Michael Purcell — who was also known as “The Kangaroo Catcher” during his time at the Jets — died on Sunday after a car crash in Brisbane.

Tributes have flowed for the popular winger, who scored 68 tries in 82 games for the Jets and Easts Tigers.

“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former Suzuki Brisbane Tigers Hostplus Cup player Michael Purcell, also known as ‘the Kangaroo Catcher’,” the Tigers said in a statement.

“Purcey, 28-years young, was Tigers player no. 1,344 and played nine games for the Tigers across the 2020 and 2021 Hostplus Cup seasons before being a part of Bulimba Bulldogs BRL Premier Grade squad in 2022.

“Thoughts and prayers are with Purcey’s family, friends, those he played with at the Tigers, Bulimba Bulldogs, Brothers, Ipswich Jets and the wider rugby league community.”

Purcell’s exploits led to him spending a pre-season with the Storm in 2021 before he returned to Queensland.

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“Sending our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Purcell after his sudden passing,” the Storm said in a statement.

“Michael spent time with us during the pre-season of 2021 and also featured in our Albury trial.

“Our thoughts are with Purcey’s family and friends during this time.”

A serious knee problem had limited Purcell to one appearance this season — he made his return from injury with Brisbane A-grade club Bulimba.

At his best, Purcell was counted as one of the fastest players in Queensland, with his nickname coming from a story where he supposedly raced down a kangaroo in a cross-country race.

He also ran the New York Marathon in 2011 as part of athletics legend Robert de Castella’s Marathon Project.