Queensland Cup cult hero and Ipswich Jets winger — former Melbourne Storm tryout — dies in car accident aged 28

The Ipswich Jets and Queensland Cup cult hero and Melbourne Storm trialist has died suddenly in Queensland at the age of 28.

WARNING: Readers are informed that this article contains the names and images of deceased Aboriginal sportsmen.

Michael Purcell, also known as the ‘kangaroo catcher’ during his time with the Jets, died Sunday following a car accident in Brisbane.

Kudos to the popular winger who scored 68 tries in 82 appearances for the Jets and East Tigers.

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

“At the young age of 28, Percy is Tigers player number 1,344 and played nine games for the Tigers in the 2020 and 2021 Host Plus Cup seasons before joining the Bling Bubble Dogs BRL Premier League in 2022. I became a member of the grade team.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Percy’s family and friends, the Tigers, Blimba Bulldogs, Brothers, Ipswich Jets and those who played with him in the wider rugby league community.”

To Purcell’s accomplishments, he will spend pre-season with the Storm in 2021 before returning to Queensland.

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

“Michael spent time with us in preseason 2021 and also appeared in the Albury trials.

“Our thoughts are with Percy’s family and friends at this time.”

A serious knee problem allowed Purcell to make only one appearance this season. He returned from injury and was at his A-class club in Brisbane, Blimba.

Purcell was at his best and counted as one of Queensland’s fastest players. His nickname comes from a story in which he supposedly ran down a kangaroo in a cross-country race.

He also ran the 2011 New York Marathon as part of track and field legend Robert de Castella’s marathon project.