Salford Red Devils has taken only 12 days to snap up centre Nene MacDonald after he was released by Leeds Rhinos.
Macdonald, a Papua New Guinea international, joined Rhinos last autumn from Leigh on an initial two-year deal.
MacDonald had recently returned from Australia following the birth of his son, but failed to return to Headingly to see out the remainder of the 2023 season with Rhinos, so was prematurely released by the Yorkshire side. The club and the player came to an agreement that saw the player released from the remainder of his contract, so he could try and find a club in Australia to be closer to his newly born child.
However the influence of Salford Red Devils assistant coach Krisnan Inu proved the vital cog to complete the deal for the Greater Manchester side.
The 29-year-old winger who can operate at centre or as a winger is to become the first new face to come through the doors at the Red Devils, ahead of the 2024 season. MacDonald has signed a four year deal at the club, keeping him at the Red Devils through to the end of 2027.
In reaction to joining the club, MacDonald said: “Firstly, thank you to the coaching staff here, and everyone behind the scenes that helped me get this deal over the line. This is an exciting time to start a new chapter of my life with this great team.
“I am very excited to get out there in 2024 and play a style of play that really suits me. It’s a great team and I think we can push to play in finals and win trophies.”
“Thanks to a good friend of mine Krisnan Inu for putting in a good word and letting me know nothing but good things about this club. I am excited to get in front of the fans and play well to earn their respect.”
Head Coach, Paul Rowley, added: “Nene is a very significant addition to our team and I am looking forward to seeing him entertain our fans in 2024. I wanted to sign Nene two years ago – as he is very much my kind of athlete – so to eventually land him is fantastic.
“Massive credit goes to Krisnan Inu for bringing this deal from start to finish to our table, materialising from the friendship and respect he has with Nene and his advisors. Myself, Kurt and Kris are looking forward to welcoming Nene to our group and helping him show his best in a Salford shirt.”
Director of Rugby & Operations, Ian Blease, stated: “Nene is a very exciting signing for our club. He is a player who knows exactly what it is like to play on the big occasions and will add some serious quality to the squad in 2024. I am sure he will excite the fans on a weekly basis.
“He is highly-skilled, intelligent and definitely the right fit for this team. I would like to welcome Nene to Salford and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
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