Leeds Rhinos have completed their pursuit of Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald. Rugby League Live understand a deal to sign the Leigh Leopards centre has been finalised and is due to be announced shortly.
Rugby League Live revealed back in August that Rohan Smith has expressed interest in reuniting with the 28-year-old, who he coached during his successful spell with Norths Devils. The pair have been long-term friends and, with Leeds on the lookout for a centre, Smith had targeted Macdonald soon after his arrival at Headingley.
Now, a deal has been agreed upon, with Macdonald understood to have put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with last year's Super League Grand Finalists. Macdonald will report to training after his post-season break, having featured for the Kumuls during the World Cup. He went off injured during their quarter-final loss to England.
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Macdonald played 98 games in the NRL earlier in his career, scoring 35 tries in the process. He enjoyed a superb start to the season with Leigh this year and ended the season with 21 tries in 23 games as the Leopards earned promotion to Super League.
However, the arrival of Ricky Leutele from Huddersfield Giants was set to see him move down the pecking order and Leigh had one too many quota players which, despite Leigh planning to manage, has now resulted in his departure.
Macdonald becomes Leeds' latest signing in what has been a bit overhaul to their squad. Sam Lisone, Derrell Olpherts, Justin Sangare, James McDonnell, Luke Hooley, Luis Roberts, Leon Ruan and Toby Warren have all arrived ahead of Smith's first full season in charge.
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