Local communities left devastated after tragic passing of Michael Purcell, aged 28
The southwest Queensland community is mourning after the devastating news of the passing of 28-year-old local league star, who friends said could achieve "anything he put his mind to".
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THE Southwest Queensland community is mourning the tragic passing of local league identity Michael Purcell.
An extremely talented footballer who rose to the heights of Queensland Cup, the 28-year-old passed away on Sunday morning following a car crash in Brisbane.
A premiership winning player with his solitary season with Wattles in 2015, Purcell went on to enjoy an 82-game career at the state league level with Ipswich and the Easts Tigers, with his lightning-quick pace seeing him register more than 60 tries.
That explosiveness caught the eye of Melbourne Storm scouts, earning a train and trial deal with the powerhouse club.
Purcell hails from Charleville and played A-grade football across the southwest region, including with the Mitchell Magpies.
President John Birkett said he will go down as one of the greats to come through the club.
“Just looking back on some memories, you forget how much of a talent he was,” Birkett said.
“Within a season he went from playing in Mitchell, to winning a premiership with Wattles and then joining the Ipswich Jets.
“He was a freak. The first game he played for us was against St George and we didn’t know too much about him.
“We put him in reserve grade and he scored a try. They didn’t come out for the second half and he backed up in A-grade and scored four tries.
“We knew he had the talent and capabilities to get wherever he set his goals.
“Anything he put his mind to he could achieve.”
Birkett said his bond with the club stretched beyond his ability, describing him as a likeable, energetic person to bea round.
“Some of the comments between him and myself and teammates, he had that little bit of wit,” he said.
“He was a character with a good sense of humour, and he was just a nice bloke to be around.
“He’s a credit to his family. Michael ran in the Boston Marathon, and for someone as quick as he is to run in a marathon is unbelievable.”
Tributes flowed across social media following the tragic news, with many paying their respects to the young man.
“Rest In Peace my brother, can’t believe it hey was just talking to you the other day about coming to see you, I’m going to miss you my boy I love you for the world,” current Wattles played Austin Jennings said.
Former teammate Cameron Moodie posted a touching tribute for his great mate.
“An inspiration to so many, not to mention being so freakishly talented at every single thing you could think of!
“I never get sick of watching or showing people your highlights on YouTube. It’s a shame that most of the 1000 or so you would’ve scored before Q Cup weren’t on tape, because you certainly scored some of the best tries anyone has ever seen on a rugby league paddock!”
The Gracemere Cubs remembered a former great.
“The Cubs Old Boys have lost a cub today in our junior Michael Purcell. Our heavy hearts are with his family tonight and our Old Boys grieving. Our hearts bleed Green and Gold for a lad who always respected the past. Rest in Dreamtime our Brother!”
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Originally published as Local communities left devastated after tragic passing of Michael Purcell, aged 28
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