Oldham sign Purcell from Down Under

Oldham are delighted to confirm the signing of Australian back row forward Jaron Purcell on a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old arrives from Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup and will arrive in Oldham next month after two seasons with the Dolphins.

"I'm excited, it has been a bit of a whirlwind as it has all happened so quickly. I can't wait to get over there in mid December and start to rip in," Purcell told Roughyeds TV.

I know Oldham is striving to be a Super League team and that is something I want to be on board with. I want to come over and win and I feel like we can do something special and bring the Championship back to Oldham."

Purcell is a former Newcastle Knights youngster who has scored 10 tries in 55 appearances over his three seasons in the Queensland Cup.

"I grew up on the central coast in New South Wales, was brought to the Newcastle Knights at 15 and worked my way through the grades. Then I moved to Queensland for a new opportunity and have had two really good years with Redcliffe.

It is quite tough to leave there as they make you feel very welcome. It has been a successful two years as well, we made the Grand Final the first season I was there and then bowed out in the major this year. I just want to get out of my comfort zone and take on a new opportunity. It would be easy to stay in Australia and keep doing the same things but I really want to test myself in a different competition."

Purcell joins fellow Q Cup stars Ewan Moore and Cole Geyer in heading to Oldham for the 2026 Championship season and has offered Roughyeds fans an early insight into what he will bring.

"I play anywhere in the middle and grew up playing a little bit of 6 so I like to think I'm crafty with the ball. I'm a back-row middle who likes to ball play and I base my game off the one percenters. I like to do the tough stuff and to get through my work.

I have known Cole for a while and have spoken to Ewan about this move. They (Burleigh Bears) were the team that knocked us out this year so it has been good to chat with them about coming over to play some good footy.

I just want to be a player that everyone wants to play with and who puts their trust in. I want to show the boys they can put their trust in me and I will do my job to the best of my ability every game."

Director of Rugby Mike Ford added:

"Jaron is another hungry young player from Australia who wants to get out of his comfort zone and make his mark in the UK with Oldham. We can't wait to have all three players with the squad and I expect them to make a big impact in the Championship."