Leeds Rhinos are considering a move for Leigh Centurions centre Nene Macdonald in a deal that would reunite coach Rohan Smith with an old friend. The Rhinos have been looking to bolster their squad with a left-edge centre and that has seen them turn to Macdonald as one potential option.
Leigh are understood to be chasing a deal for Huddersfield Giants centre Ricky Leutele and should they secure his services, that would leave them in need of moving another of their quota players off the roster. With Leutele also a left-edge centre, they are thought to be open to moving Macdonald on if they can land a deal for Leutele. It should be noted that earlier in the year, Leigh head coach Adrian Lam claimed Macdonald was contracted for 2023, meaning they are in position to stand their ground should they wish to do so.
Leeds have confirmed the departure of Liam Sutcliffe, who will join Hull FC next season. He has been deployed at left centre by Smith during his time at the club and his departure would pave the way for Macdonald to come in. Bodene Thompson is off-contract and should he depart, that would free up the quota spot needed to bring him in.
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Macdonald and Smith are known friends. Macdonald has been public about his friendship with the Rhinos boss and played under him last year while Smith was in charge of Intrust Super Cup team North Devils. Together, they won the competition last year. Before that, the pair had shared a house while the pair were at Sydney Roosters.
Speaking last year, Macdonald said: “I’ve known Ro (Smith) for a while so I gave him a call when I wanted to get back playing again. From the moment I came to Norths, I felt like I had been here for a long time.
“It’s such a welcoming club and Ro does such a good job of building a culture here where the team comes before any individual. I’m really looking forward to playing a grand final with these guys because it’s such a privilege to play alongside them.”
Macdonald made almost 100 NRL appearances before taking a break from the game due to frustrating injuries. He returned last year with the Devils after contacting Smith to make him aware of his desire to kickstart his career.
His form saw him earn a move to Leigh and he took the Championship by storm in the opening rounds of the season. He is currently suspended after being banned for punching in the Centurions' Summer Bash clash with Featherstone Rovers, which took place at Headingley.
A Papua New Guinea international, the 28-year-old has scored 21 tries in as many games during his first year in the UK.
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