09 August 2022
16:37
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Australian rugby star Michael Purcell, known as the Kangaroo Hunter, has died at the age of 28 after a car accident in Brisbane, local media reported, citing “Blitz”.
Purcell was a versatile winger and fullback who made his name as a rugby league star in Queensland, making a name for himself with the Ipswich Jets, Brisbane Tigers and Melbourne Storm.
“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Purcell, also known as ‘The Kangaroo Hunter.’ “Thoughts and prayers are with Percy’s family, friends, those he played with at the Tigers, Bulimba Bulldogs, Brothers, Ipswich Jets and the wider rugby league community,” the Brisbane Tigers wrote.
Former Ipswich Jets coach Ben Walker added: “I’m devastated, it’s so, so sad. He was a really talented kid who definitely had the ability to play NRL. We got a tip about this kid who played reserve grade and his nickname was ‘The Kangaroo Chaser’ because it was said he was so fast he once chased a kangaroo in bush cross country. We signed him to Ipswich Jets and he ended up scoring 66 tries in 71 games. It had incredible speed.”
