JOE PURCELL: ‘I’M BUZZING ABOUT IT’

Hornets’ fullback Joe Purcell discusses the delight at being given the number one shirt for 2023, reflecting on the recent Cup win and moving onto the first league game.

Purcell spent all his junior career at the amateur level playing for the likes of Halton Hornets and Burtonwood Chargers. In 2022 he was given the chance to join Cornwall, since then the 22-year-old has signed for Rochdale and been given the opportunity to play at the League One level.

 Purcell said: “I’m absolutely buzzing about it to be honest. I’m buzzing to finally be showing my ability, on a stage like League One.

 “I’m really happy to be given the number one shirt. When I signed, Gary [Thornton] said no player is guaranteed a position or a shirt, we trained and after that, was given the one shirt.

 “I’m pleased that I have been given the responsibility I have.

 “To be playing in my main position at fullback for Rochdale is pleasing, as I was in the halves at Cornwall.”

 The 22-year-old was thankful for his time with Cornwall, he said: “First of all I want to thank Cornwall to be honest. The staff and players, everyone down there were really helpful.

 “They gave me that opportunity to get my foot in the door in this league and playing professional Rugby at this level.

 “So, I hope the best for them in 2023, but it’s just helped me kick on to bigger things to be honest with Rochdale, and I’m fully committed here now.”

 Purcell has been a strong addition to the side, that is filled with youngsters and some experienced figures. The Widnes-born back can’t wait to start the league season against Doncaster at the weekend.

 He said: “Onto Sunday against Doncaster, we know what they are like, they’re a good team. They are pencilled in as one of the favourites for this year.

“To me though, that doesn’t really mean anything. It’s a competitive league this year and anyone could be up there.

 “The boys are hopeful for this weekend, especially after the win over London [Skolars] in the Challenge Cup last time out, it has set us up nicely.”

 After Doncaster, Purcell & co are set to face a trip to Dewsbury in the Third Round of the Challenge Cup, who are another strong League One outfit. The first two weeks of the regular season are looking like a good test for the Hornets.

 The fullback said: “Yeah, the way the boys have gone about it has been good. We could have shied away from it and not been happy with the fact we are facing two good teams, but we are taking it in our stride.

 “We are excited to be honest. I think if we can get a win this weekend, hopefully follow that up against Dewsbury, it really sets the tone for the season.”