Wyong junior chasing shot at NRL after State Championship title with Redcliffe

Central Coast product Jaron Purcell says he has "found a home" with Queensland Cup side Redcliffe but hopes to convert Sunday's State Championship victory into an NRL opportunity, whether it be with the Dolphins or elsewhere.

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The forward, who was previously in the Knights' development system, came off the bench in Redcliffe's massive 68-14 rout of NSW Cup champions Penrith at Accor Stadium.

Purcell, second from left, celebrates Redcliffe's win at Accor Stadium on Sunday. Picture AAP

The match, between the respective premiers of the NSW and Queensland competitions, capped a campaign played across both England and Australia for Purcell.

The 25-year-old played 16 games for Oldham in the second-tier English Championship this year before making a mid-season switch back to Redcliffe.

Purcell made seven Queensland Cup appearances with the Dolphins as they stormed to the state title from second position in the regular season.

Purcell, right, after winning the Queensland Cup a week earlier. Picture Facebook

"To come down here and put a performance in like that, it's truly special," Purcell told the Newcastle Herald moments after full-time on Sunday.

"I've found a home at Redcliffe and loving every minute of it.

"At the moment I'm staying ... I'll be there next year.

"I went over to England ... I thought I'd go over and try it, but missed home and came home halfway through."

A Wyong Roos junior, Purcell rose through the Knights' junior grades in teams featuring the likes of Bradman Best.

He played 15 NSW Cup games for Newcastle across 2021-22 in what were disrupted campaigns.

He moved to Tweed Seagulls in 2023 before two seasons at Redcliffe in 2024-25.

"Hopefully after today's game, something might pop up, but if not, I'm happy at Redcliffe," Purcell said of his desire to play NRL.

"If an opportunity arises, I'll grab it with both hands.

"Hopefully something pops up.

"I'd love to [come back to Newcastle]. The Hunter is home for me. I grew up on the Central Coast and was at Newy since I was a young kid.

"We'll see what happens."

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