Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the signing of centre Nene Macdonald. As first revealed by Rugby League Live, the Papua New Guinea international has signed from Leigh Leopards on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old will reunite with head coach Rohan Smith, a close friend who he coached last year as they won the Queensland Cup with Norths Devils. He is set to be their ninth, and final, signing ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Macdonald was Leigh's standout start at the beginning of their title-winning Championship campaign and ended the season averaging a try per game in his 27 appearances.
Read more: Six standout Super League signings ahead of 2023 season
Rugby League Live revealed back in August that the Rhinos had expressed interest and, after months of talks, have finally landed the centre, who will help replace Liam Sutcliffe on the left edge. Macdonald was an ever-present in the World Cup for the Kumuls but did get injured in the quarter-final defeat to England. The extent of the injury is currently unknown.
He has played over 100 games in the NRL during his career and will now continue his career in Super League with the Rhinos, who made the Grand Final last year.
Head coach Smith said: “I am delighted to be bringing Nene to the Rhinos. He is a big, physical player who can play either at centre or on the wing. He can break tackles and offload the ball to keep the team on the front foot.
"He is maturing in his life and his rugby and I know his young family have settled really well to life in the UK over the last year. I think his best years are ahead of him and I am looking forward to seeing him develop even further at the Rhinos.”
Leeds have confirmed they will also play the Leopards in a pre-season friendly at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, January 22nd.
Read next
Rob Burrow uses ground-breaking technology to read CBeebies Bedtime Story
Kevin Proctor update as new Wakefield recruit eyes up Trinity debut target date
Leeds Rhinos hint at new signing announcement after confirming squad number date
Castleford halfback Danny Richardson undergoes off-season surgery
Josh Drinkwater lifts lid on Catalans Dragons exit and motivation behind Warrington Wolves move
