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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.

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Queensland Ipswich Jets, Brisbane Tigers star dies in car crash

Queensland rugby league has been rocked after one of the state’s star players tragically died at the age of 28.

Michael Purcell sadly lost his life on Sunday morning following a car crash in Brisbane.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The star winger-fullback had played a total of 82 games for the Ipswich Jets and Brisbane Tigers, registering 68 tries and 22 goals.

Purcell, nicknamed “The Kangaroo Catcher” after he once was said to have chased down a kangaroo during a race, was one of the fastest players in Queensland.

His standout abilities on the field led to him receiving an NRL contract with the Melbourne Storm last year.

He joined the Storm for pre-season training before returning to Queensland and playing for the Brisbane Tigers in the Intrust Super Cup.

Purcell in full flight.  Picture: Alix Sweeney
Purcell in full flight. Picture: Alix SweeneySource: News Corp Australia

His death has rocked the rugby league community with tributes flooding in following Sunday’s tragic crash.

“I am shattered, it’s so, so sad,” Purcell’s former coach at the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup Ben Walker said to the Courier Mail.

“He was a really talented kid who definitely had the ability to play NRL.

“We got a tip about this kid playing reserve grade and his nickname was the ‘Kangaroo Catcher’ because the story went he was so fast he once chased down a kangaroo during a cross-country run in the bush.

“We signed him to the Ipswich Jets and he ended up scoring 66 tries in 71 games. He had incredible speed.”

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Categories
Sports

Michaell Purcell killed in car crash: Iprwich Jets and Brisbane Tigers

Queensland rugby league has been rocked after one of the State’s star players was tragically killed in a car crash at the age of 28.

Michael Purcell sadly lost his life on Sunday morning following a car crash in Brisbane.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The star winger-fullback had played a total of 82 games for the Ipswich Jets and Brisbane Tigers, registering 68 tries and 22 goals.

Purcell, nicknamed “The Kangaroo Catcher” after he once was said to have chased down a kangaroo during a race, was one of the fastest players in Queensland.

His standout abilities on the field led to him receiving an NRL contract with the Melbourne Storm last year.

He joined the Storm for pre-season training before returning to Queensland and playing for the Brisbane Tigers in the Intrust Super Cup.

His death rocked the rugby league community with tributes flooding in following Sunday’s tragic crash.

“I am shattered, it’s so, so sad,” Ben Walker said to the Courier MailPurcell’s former coach at the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup

“He was a really talented kid who definitely had the ability to play NRL.

“We got a tip about this kid playing reserve grade and his nickname was the ‘Kangaroo Catcher’ because the story went he was so fast he once chased down a kangaroo during a cross-country run in the bush.

“We signed him to the Ipswich Jets and he ended up scoring 66 tries in 71 games. He had incredible speed.”

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