about map sports

Managing Director and founder – Andrew Purcell

After 10 years of involvement with the playing side of professional Rugby League, through 4 professional teams in both the NRL and European Super League, Andrew undertook tertiary education in the field of Marketing and Sponsorship to gain an understanding of the off field operations of sport.

After 10 years in the industry and several hands on roles in the sports admin sector Andrew embraced his knowledge of professional sports and launched his company, Map Sports in late 2008. Andrew heads up the day to day operations of Map Sports, working closely with clients on assisting them with building the frame work that will help them achieve their goals.
After several trips abroad Andrew decided the business needed a directional shift and developed a plan to increase the businesses footprint globally. In 2013 Map Sports UK was opened under the guise of former Super League player and current BBC media personality Craig Murdock.

Andrew is a former board member of the NRL Agent Accreditation.

General Manager UK – Craig Murdock

Craig brings a wealth of Rugby League experience with him to Map Sports having played for some of the biggest sides for in the Super League in Wigan Warriors and Hull FC. This experience gives him insights and relationships with clubs through all levels of the game in the UK and with a solid footing in the UK sports media landscape with the BBC, he is well poised to drive the business in Great Britain and Europe. 

Craig is looking forward to utilising his skills and networks into helping players achieve their domestic goals or make available opportunities to play Rugby League in other markets around the world.

Adrian Morley

Andrew Purcell (MapSports) were my management group for 10 years and he is by far the most professional manager I have met and dealt with in over 20 years of being a rugby league player. He approaches all of his negotiations professionally and the move back to the UK for my family and I was handled expertly and I was across the entire negotiation from start to finish. He has a thorough understanding of the processes in negotiating contracts in both the UK and NRL and the fact he has played professionally in both markets gives him insights and knowledge that no other Agent can provide.  I can`t speak highly enough of him as a player manager and as a person.

Adrian Morley
Salford Reds / Warrington Wolves / Bradford Bulls / Sydney Roosters / Leeds Rhinos
NRL Grand Final 2002 / 2003 / 2004
NRL Premiers 2002
World Club Champions 2003
Super League Champions 2005
Challenge Cup Winner 1999 / 2009 / 2010 / 2012
Most capped Great Britain player – 51 caps

Great Britain Captain

Dale Finucane

I am adamant that the success I have experienced moving to Sydney and now Melbourne, is primarily due to Andrew’s support and influence. He calls regularly to provide advice in regards to improving my game and other general issues outside of Rugby League. He regularly ventures beyond what is required of himself as a player manager and I know if I need anything he is the first person I will contact.

Melbourne Storm / Canterbury Bulldogs
NSW Country Rep 2015-18; NSW CRL Player of the Year 2018
5 x NRL Grand Finalist 2012 / 2014 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018
2017 NRL Premiers Melbourne Storm
2018 World Club Champions Melbourne Storm
NSW Origin

Josh Jackson

Map Sports, specifically Andrew, have assisted in providing me with the opportunities to progress my career. Specifically Andrew’s support and encouragement on and off the field has helped me greatly a with the transition from amateur football to a highly professional sporting competition.

Canterbury Bulldogs Captain
NSW Origin & Australian Kangaroo
Dally M Second Rower of the Year 2015, 2018
Bulldogs Coaches Award 2014 – 16, 2018
Bulldogs Rookie of the Year 2012
NSW Blues Best & Fairest 2016 – Brad Fittler Medal
NSW Country Rep 2013-14

David Shillington

Andrew has been for manager for several years now and I couldn t be happier with his services. He has brought me confidence that the business side of my life, including contract negotiations, will be handled professionally and that I’m given the best opportunity to progress my career. With Andrew being retired my from the game not so long ago, there have also been many times where I have valued his advice on my game or for personal affairs. I appreciate his loyalty and recommend him to any player looking for a quality manager.

Gold Coast Titans / Canberra Raiders Captain / Sydney Roosters
QLD Origin & Australian Kangaroo 

Michael Gordon

I have known Andrew for several seasons now and after playing professional Rugby League for over 7 years in the NRL I have come to know several player managers. The highest compliment I can pay Andrew is that he is genuine and actually cares about his clients and always strives to do his absolute best for them. Not only is he my manager but I consider them and his family, great friends.

Gold Coast Titans / Sydney Roosters / Parramatta Eels / Cronulla Sharks / Penrith Panthers
Cronulla Sharks Player of the Year 2014 – 15 Monty Porter Medal
Cronulla Sharks Players Player of the Year 2014 – 15
NSW Origin

Michael Crocker

I was lucky enough to come across Andrew from MapSports in 2007 and from day one he has displayed all the qualities I find in an agent. His long association with the game as a player and agent definitely give him the expertise and passion to help footballers achieve all they can from not just football, but life. His life experiences and ability to mentor ensure we learn to manage our own life away from football and his strong work ethic, honesty, passion and care ensure that all other football related aspects are balanced so we can concentrate on doing what we do best, playing football.

South Sydney Captain / Melbourne Storm / Sydney Roosters
5 x NRL Grand Finalist 2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2007 / 2008
2 x Premiership Winner 2002 / 2007
2 x World Club Challenge
QLD Origin & Australian Kangaroo

Eric Grothe Jnr

I engaged a cross section of managers in my 10 years as a professional footballer, but none like Andrew. He genuinely cared about my well being on the field but more importantly off it. If I have any problem at all or need anything, he makes it his immediate business to make things happen right away. His best asset as a manager is his honesty, never making false promises. I continue to seek Andrew’s advice beyond my playing career as I consider him and his family great friends.

Cronulla Sharks / Parramatta Eels
NSW Origin & Australian Kangaroos

Board of Advice

To ensure Map Sports adhere to the best method practices, we have created a “ Board of Advisors”. These key industry experts assist in providing knowledge, opinions and solutions to any issues that may arise.

Adrian Morley

Based in the United Kingdom, former captain and current Great Britain International, Adrian Morley brings a wealth of global rugby league experience to Map Sports

Bruce Wallace

President of the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League .

Eric Grothe Snr

Former International Rugby League player and current board member of the Parramatta Eels Rugby League team.

Luke Ricketson

Former international rugby league great and current Channel 9 executive.

Martin Meredith

Coaching & Development Manager, New South Wales Rugby league.

Paul McGregor

Former state of origin player and Kangaroo. Highly regarded in sports conditioning and nutrition.