‘I’ve found a home’: Purcell hits 50th Hostplus Cup match
Jaron Purcell made a gamble when he moved to Queensland three years ago.
Coming out of the Newcastle Knights’ development system, the Gosford product was unsure at the time of what lay ahead.
He didn’t come with many expectations and since has endured many highs and a few lows – two clubs, three head coaches, a grand final appearance and grand final heartbreak, his first long-term injury and, most importantly, a renewed love of the game.
But as he prepares to celebrate his 50th Hostplus Cup game this Saturday against the Northern Pride, it seems the gamble has paid off – Purcell is exactly where he’s meant to be.
“I came up with no plans and it’s all happened pretty quickly,” he said of his move north.
“I’ve been going with the flow and I’ve found a home in Redcliffe and I’m happy here.”
Purcell, centre, at training.
Purcell first moved to the Sunshine State to join Tweed Seagulls, playing one season with them in 2023 under the guidance of Dave Penna.
In 2024, Ben Te’o convinced the backrower to sign with the Redcliffe Dolphins and he’s been here since, improving his game.
Now under the tutelage of Eric Smith, Purcell said both clubs and each coach have helped him not only become a better footballer, but a happier one too.
“My footy has gotten a lot better,” he said.
“The biggest thing between the three (coaches) is they’ve brought joy back into my footy.
“They allow me to play the footy I like to play and I’m allowed to be experimental and play eyes-up footy and take on the line.
“They’re very different though and I’ve taken a lot from all of them. I have belief in myself and I’ve learnt a lot from the technical side of the game.
“It’s helped me in my footy and it’s helped me improve my skillset along the way.”
Aside from the steps forward he’s taken on the field, both physically and mentally, Purcell has also made a happy life for himself away from the field at Redcliffe.
The 24-year-old has always had his biggest supporters in his two parents, but now that supporter base is growing.
“It’s about the people I’ve met and got to share the journey with,” he said.
“I’ve made some lifelong friends here and that’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.
“We have a good little crew at Redcliffe – a Peninsula crew. It’s easy access for us to all hang out.
“There’s people like Shelly (Pitama), JB (Jarrett Boland) and Freizy (Jackson Frei) who was with us last year, and then Max (Bailey) when he comes down from the Sunny Coast.
“Across my whole footy career my biggest support is my family. They’d drive me an hour each way to get to Newcastle, three times a week and then for the games.
“And since moving up here, I have my girlfriend Tahnaya. She’s been very supportive of me. It’s difficult when I’m not home three nights a week and away on away trips but she’s always supporting me.”
Purcell – who lists his highlights as playing in the 2024 grand final for Redcliffe and in representing both clubs in three Liam Hampson Cup matches – said he was unaware that he was reaching his 50th Hostplus Cup game this weekend.
But as it approaches, he said he’s appreciative of everything he’s achieved since moving to Queensland.
And with plenty of years ahead of him, he’s still chasing his NRL dreams – as long as his love of the game doesn’t fade away.
“It’s something you don’t really think about it until it gets mentioned to you or you’re told about,” he said of his milestone.
“Reflecting back, it’s something special to say I have played 50 games in Cup. To notch 50 games pretty quickly, it’s something special.
“The goal for me is still to be pushing for NRL and get that debut jersey. But also, just enjoy it.
“Coming to Queensland, I wanted to get back to enjoying my footy and finding the love for it like when I was a little kid. Keep chasing the dream but enjoy it along the way.”