BEARS NOW HAVE A FIGHTING CHANCE
LEAGUE: It’s an out of the box selection, but the Oakey Bears are backing their new coach all the way.
When Herman Ene-Purcell (pictured) moved to Australia he did so with the dream of playing in the NRL.
Life had another plan for him though and he eventually found his way to Smithy’s Gym.
Now the heavyweight boxing champion will take the coaching reins of Oakey’s TRL A-grade squad.
LEAGUE: Herman Ene-Purcell moved to Australia with a dream to play in the NRL.
Having played for the Auckland under-20s EnePurcell wanted to take the next step, life however turned out differently.
Injuries brought an abrupt halt to his league career and eventually he took up boxing.
Ene-Purcell, who has fought all over the world and won numerous titles, has found his way back to league taking hold of the coaching reins at Oakey for the 2022 season.
“It’s very exciting and I am grateful for the opportunity Oakey has given me,” EnePurcell said.
“Oakey is a strong and proud club and I’ve been given the opportunity to take them back to the glory days.
“I can’t thank Brendan (Dolan) and the club enough.
“I’m already getting a lot of support and I really believe the Bears will make a lot of noise next year.”
Ene-Purcell will look to the experience of his support team in league specific situations, but believes his experience as a professional boxer will help immensely.
“I moved to Australia in 2013 to pursue a career in the NRL,” he said.
“But injuries led me on a different path and I found boxing at Smithy’s Gym.
“I’m very passionate about footy though.
“I’ll bring my experience from boxing in terms of training and all that. I also believe brotherhood and culture are important in footy and I will bring that.
“I’m going to trust myself and trust my great support team and I will promise one thing.
“I promise I will do everything in my power to help the Oakey Bears come out on top.”
Oakey Bears president Brendan Dolan understands the Ene-Purcell’s appointment will raise some eyebrows but he is confident they have made the right choice.
“We’re quite excited about the appointment,” Dolan said. “We wanted a fresh start. “Herman is a great guy.
“He brings passion, intensity and he has a good knowledge of the game having played for the Auckland under-20s and the Mustangs.
“We (Bears) have been battling on for the last few years, trying to turn things around.
“We’re looking a little bit outside the box.
“It’s a bit of risk, he’s a rookie coach, but let’s try something new and see how it goes.
“We’re never going to die wondering.”