Nene Macdonald

The nine-time Papua New Guinean international, who played for the Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and 

The 27-year-old centre or winger has made almost 100 NRL appearances for Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks.

Macdonald has won nine caps for his native Papua New Guinea. He is hoping to play in his World Cup next autumn.

Macdonald said: “I’m super excited to have signed for Leigh Centurions and I can’t wait to get over and play.

“I’ve heard such a lot of good things about the club and the community and all the people I’ve spoken to at the club have been really friendly and welcoming.

The PNG international joined the Cowboys from the Dragons on a three-year-deal starting in 2019 but played just five games for the club before having his season ended by a horrific ankle injury.

In a statement, the Cowboys said the release was granted by mutual agreement, “with the club, Nene and his management deciding Nene needs some time away from the game”.

The club said it would provide Macdonald with ongoing support.

Maroons Coach Kevin Walters made the announcement on Monday, December 17^th.

Martin (25), who grew up in Queensland, has been a strong performer for the Kumuls, especially during the 2017 World Cup.

This season he achieved his goal of playing in the NRL, with a memorable debut against the Brisbane Broncos in Round Nine, where he scored a try with his very first touch of the ball.

Macdonald debuted with the Roosters as a 20-year-old in 2014 and has emerged as one of competition’s top wingers during his stints with the Titans and Dragons.

The Minister labeled the Lamana Gold Club incident a ‘total disgrace’.

He said Macdonald is a rising star who recently signed a three-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Tkatchenko stated that PNG is proud of the 24-year-old, who went out on Saturday with fellow teammates to unwind after their victory against the England Knights but instead, allegedly had a glass smashed on his head.

He said the suspect will be dealt with accordingly after investigations.

Minister Wong said such violence against our rugby star is uncalled for.

He told this newsroom that the police will get to the bottom of this and the alleged police officer involved will be dealt with accordingly.

However, he is urging the Lamana duty manager to file a formal police complaint and give evidence so that the Police hierarchy can follow up.

After the Kumuls’ 32-22 win over the England Knights yesterday in Port Moresby, Nene Macdonald and some of his teammates went out to unwind when he was allegedly assaulted.

In a Facebook post, the Kumuls centre said he will not wear the red, black and gold jersey again until the man who smashed a bottle over his head at Lamana is dealt with.

Coach Michael Marum confirmed the incident but said they are still in the early stages of gathering information.

“He is traveling out today and no, his injury was not severe,” stated the coach.

More to follow...

Macdonald was with the St George Illawarra Dragons this season after debuting for Sydney Roosters in 2014.

According to the North Queensland Cowboys official website, Macdonald has arrived at the club’s camp in preparation for the 2019 season.

The 24-year-old recently participated in the PM’s XIII in Port Moresby where Australia beat PNG 34 – 18.

Born in Port Moresby but growing up in North Queensland, Macdonald debuted in the red, black and gold jersey in 2013 – when he was 19 years of age.

So far he has played nine Test matches for the PNG Kumuls. 

Coach Michael Marum announced this before their flight to Sydney yesterday.

Macdonald suffered the injury following the Dragons’ 32-8 win over the Manly Sea Eagles over the weekend.

Ase joins the Kumuls squad, which now has 10 PNG Hunters.

(Ase Boas filepic)

Calls for the NRL to expand into Port Moresby are growing louder by the year, given the island nation’s love of rugby league and ability to produce athletes.

Australian coach and league legend Mal Meninga has led the charge, while other figures such as Matty Johns and James Graham have backed PNG entering the world’s best competition.