Right: Budding rugby league star DJ LokeniPurcell from Pakenham has set his sights on a making the NRL after playing in the recent Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships in Perth.By Marc McGowan
AFTER less than three years in rugby league, talented Pakenham Secondary College student Daniel ‘D.J.’ LokeniPurcell has his sights on the National Rugby League (NRL) competition.
“I want to make a career out of it,” LokeniPurcell said. “My idol is (Canterbury Bulldogs second rower) Sonny Bill Williams.”
The New Zealand expatriate, 14, recently competed in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships in Perth and, if his performance is anything to go by, his dreams are distinct possibilities.
He managed to score in three of the four matches and played a pivotal role in Victoria winning two of its four matches at the championships, despite playing out of his preferred position.
“I prefer to play second row. I was playing prop at the carnival but I got to play second row in the last game.”
Not coincidentally, LokeniPurcell took out player of the match honours in the last game after switching to his more natural position in the forwards.
Melbourne Storm highperformance manager Paul Bramley is already familiar with the burly second rower.
“He’s only 14 so he’s a bit too young for us to put a real stamp on him,” Mr Bramley said.
“He’s got a good body shape though and, with some growing to do, he’s a likely prospect down the track. He’s a very good young player.”
LokeniPurcell has a good rugby league pedigree. His father, Randall Purcell, was a statelevel player in both rugby league and union in their home country.
Mr Purcell had no intention of playing rugby when he came to Australia in 2000 but has become involved in the coaching side of things. He is now an assistant coach for the Victorian under18 side.
LokeniPurcell did not come to Australia with his parents when they first moved and has been in Australia for less than three years. But his arrival signalled the start of his rugby league career.
“He was raised by my mum and dad. His grandma wouldn’t let him play any rugby or rugby league,” Mr Purcell said.
“He came over when he was 11 – turning 12 – and I just wanted to harden him up; he was like a big baby. He is the oldest of three children, so for the oldest kid almost looking like the youngest in the family it just wasn’t very good.”
“Rugby league was the answer for many reasons for him and for us. It was an opportunity for father and son to bond too.”
LokeniPurcell has had a lot of support from the local community.
The trip to Perth for the championships cost $1300 and Mr Purcell was forced to look for sponsorship and he found multiple suitors.
A contribution of $250 from Cardinia Shire, one of $300 from Pakenham Secondary College and the family raised the rest.
“Greenhouse Fitness Club in Waverley Gardens made a contribution towards funds, as far as fundraising for it, and also a fruit shop in Dandenong.”
LokeniPurcell has his eyes on even great success next year.
“Next year if he repeats his performance he’ll come home with a greenandgold jumper because they are picking a side next year. It is a long way away but it is something to look forward to,” Mr Purcell said.
Grandma is starting to come around too.
“I’m not sure she has fully accepted it but he has her full support and he’s always in her prayers,” Mr Purcell said.
