St Helens has officially signed Nene Macdonald, a former Salford Red Devils centre, on a two-year contract. At 31 years old, Macdonald brings a wealth of experience to the team as a Papua New Guinea international.
Nene Macdonald’s Career Journey
Before joining St Helens, Macdonald made significant contributions to Salford after transferring from Leeds Rhinos in 2024. He played a vital role in leading his team to a fourth-place finish and a spot in the Super League playoffs.
Unfortunately, due to Salford’s financial struggles, Macdonald left the club on unpaid leave last season. However, he is now set to reunite with his former coach, Paul Rowley.
Excitement for a New Chapter
Macdonald expressed enthusiasm about joining St Helens. “When I first came to England, Saints were winning everything and were known for being a huge club. To be a part of this historic team is quite exciting,” he remarked. He views this move as a fresh start alongside new teammates and a new coaching staff.
“I look forward to helping get Saints back on top,” Macdonald added. His confidence in Rowley is evident, noting, “He is a great coach who knows how to manage me effectively. I will do my best for Saints and for him.”
A Proven Track Record
Macdonald’s rugby career began in the NRL, where he made nearly 100 appearances. His experience includes stints with:
- Sydney Roosters
- Gold Coast Titans
- St George Illawarra Dragons
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Cronulla Sharks
He later joined Leigh, where he made a remarkable impact, scoring 27 tries in just 27 appearances, helping the team earn promotion to the Super League. Following his successful tenure at Leigh, Macdonald spent a year with Leeds Rhinos.
A Strategic Acquisition
Rowley praised the acquisition of Macdonald, stating, “Bringing in a player of Nene’s calibre at this stage is a significant boost to our squad. It reflects the ambition and support from CEO Mike Rush and the board.”
With this new addition, St Helens aims to reclaim its status in rugby, making this signing a key part of their strategy moving forward.
