Michael Purcell: Mitchell community mourns loss of rising NRL star after horror crash
Rising NRL star and former Mitchell Magpie Michael Purcell is being remembered as an incredible talent who never forgot where he came from, after he was tragically killed in a horror crash. Read the touching tributes here:
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The Mitchell community is mourning the devastating loss of homegrown rugby league star Michael Purcell after he was killed in a car crash at the weekend.
The 28-year-old, whose speed earned him the nickname “The Kangaroo Catcher”, was considered one of the fastest players in the state.
He helped Allora’s Wattles Warriors take out the cup in his first season in the Toowoomba Rugby League, was a star for Queensland Cup sides Ipswich Jets and Brisbane Tigers, and had a bright future in the NRL ahead after signing a contract with the Melbourne Storm last year.
His untimely death has devastated the football community, with many remembering why the bloke they knew as “Purcey” is someone they will never forget.
Purcell’s former Mitchell Magpies coach John Birkett remembered realising he was looking at “one of the most talented, freakish and gifted players” he had ever seen.
Birkett said the loss felt “surreal”.
“He was a bit of a freak of nature. In 14 months he went from playing in the Roma District Rugby League competition with Magpies to Queensland Cup,” he said.
“He was always strong and wide, but kept his speed. He was so brazen, always on the front foot, setting the tone.
“It didn’t matter the scoreline, he’d always try something different.
Birkett said despite Purcell soaring to success in rugby league, he never forgot his roots as a winger with the Magpies.
“He always had time for the kids of the community and the Magpies, even when he was playing in the big-time”.
Purcell’s former Ipswich Jets coach Ben Walker shared his grief with the Courier Mail, saying “I am shattered. It’s so, so sad”.
The Brisbane Tigers shared on social media that they were “extremely saddened to hear of the passing”.
Purcell’s former club in Mitchell are heading for their major semi-final on Sunday.
“Purcy can look down on us and give a bit of his abilities in the game,” Birkett said.
Originally published as Michael Purcell: Mitchell community mourns loss of rising NRL star after horror crash
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