Queensland rugby league has been rocked after Michael Purcell sadly passed away on the morning of Sunday the 7th of August following a tragic car accident in Brisbane.
The talented winger-fullback had played a total of 82 games for the Ipswich Jets and Brisbane tigers, he was only 28-years-old and had stand-out talent.
Nicknamed “The Kangaroo Catcher” he was said to have once chased down a kangaroo during a race and was one of the fastest players in Queensland. His super speed led him to signing an NRL contract with the Melbourne Storm in 2021.
“I am shattered, it’s so, so sad,” said Ben Walker, Purcell’s former coach at the Ipswich Jets, to the Courier Mail. “He was a really talented kid who definitely had the ability to play NRL.
“We signed him to the Ipswich Jets and he ended up scoring 66 tries in 71 games. He had incredible speed.”
His death has deeply rocked the rugby league community with tributes flooding in following the devastating news.
Queensland Rugby League has been rocked by the tragic death of former Ipswich Jets speedster Michael Purcell. He scored 66 tries in 71 games for the Jets and ran New York Marathon at age 18 as part of Rob de Castella’s indigenous running program. Sad news. pic.twitter.com/BBpnkzZteJ
— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) August 7, 2022
Sending our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Purcell after his sudden passing.
Michael spent time with us during the pre-season of 2021 and also featured in our Albury trial 💜
— Melbourne Storm (@storm) August 7, 2022
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 🧡🖤
Purcey, 28-years young was Tigers player no. 1344 and played nine games for the Tigers across …https://t.co/xz97Unka0k
— Suzuki Brisbane Tigers (@EastsTigers) August 7, 2022
Saddened to hear that the ‘Kangaroo Catcher’ Michael Purcell has passed away. A much loved member of the Jets family
— Craig Sheppard (@CraigMSheppard) August 7, 2022
Image: Twitter
