'Stand up as a pack': Purcell ready to help engine room in Dolphins' premiership push

Author: Rikki-Lee Arnold Statewide content producer
Timestamp: Thu 12 Sep 2024, 12:18 PM

An honesty session among the Redcliffe Dolphins engine room has helped reignite their finals campaign, with Jaron Purcell and his fellow forwards ready to bring the heat to Cairns this Saturday.

The Dolphins’ run to this year’s premiership did not start on the best note, after Redcliffe suffered a 46-18 loss to the Norths Devils in the opening week of the finals series.

But, with a second chance up their sleeve thanks to their third-place finish on the competition ladder, the Dolphins came together last week to bounce back in fine form against the Central Queensland Capras, led strongly by their forward pack.

Backrower Purcell said they all knew ahead of the game that if the Dolphins were to be a chance for this year’s premiership, the forwards had to dig deep.

Purcell in action against the Capras. Photo: Erick Lucero/QRL

“We thought against Norths that our pack wasn’t up to standard,” Purcell said.

“We had a little forwards meeting and realised that if we want to do well, we have to stand up as a pack and band together to really start putting some good performances together for our team.

“We were fortunate enough to have the second chance and we knew we’d have to take the chance… it was do-or-die.”

Buoyed by the presence of NRL Dolphins enforcer Josh Kerr – who bagged a double in the opening nine minutes – the Redcliffe pack helped guide their team to a 36-18 victory last week and a guaranteed Finals Week 3 appearance against the Northern Pride.

They will head north to Cairns this Saturday, knowing that once again everything is on the line against a formidable opposition – knowing that they are one win away from the grand final.

For Purcell – who came through the Newcastle Knights development system – a potential premiership was one of his goals in his debut season with Redcliffe.

The 23-year-old started in the Hostplus Cup last year with Tweed Seagulls but moved north to Redcliffe in 2024 after meeting with coach Ben Te’o.

“I had a meeting with Benny and the way that he sold the club and how the vibe was going to be was very appealing to me,” Purcell said.

“He made it feel very professional and the staff they’ve brought on board and the facilities they have, it seemed really up to standard.

“I’ve been loving it. On the Peninsula, everyone loves their footy so it’s a good vibe all around.

“Coming in, I just wanted to play consistent footy, earn a starting spot, put my best foot forward each week and do whatever the team needs to make the grand final.”

As he continues to push towards this goal, Purcell is boosted by the squad around him.

Not only has Te’o helped the second rower this year, but Purcell has found the support from the team has seen him lift his own standards.

Purcell with Latrell Siegwalt in Round 2. Photo: Rikki-Lee Arnold/QRL

“I’ve been fortunate to play every game so far bar one through injury,” he said.

“The club has helped me play my best footy and it’s paying dividends towards the back end.

“Coming to a new club, meeting a lot of new people, you learn and pick up different things from each other.

“The boys hold you to a high standard and put the onus back on you to make sure that your skills are up to standard and that you’re doing the right things off the field so the boys know you’ve prepared well.”

And preparation will be everything for this Saturday.

The Pride head into the preliminary final clash undefeated since May, with a string of 13 wins behind them.

The minor premiers have only lost to three teams all year – the Sunshine Coast Falcons, the PNG Hunters and the Redcliffe Dolphins.

The Dolphins have had a bumpier ride to get to this point and know that their previous win over the Pride counts for nothing.

But they do know what they have to do – the pack has to maintain the rage, the focus needs to stay internal and they need to keep their eye on the prize.

Finals Week 3 - Finals Week 3 - Saturday 14 Sep

4:10 am