Leigh Centurions star Nene MacDonald hit with a hefty punishment

Leigh Centurions star Nene MacDonald has been hit with a hefty punishment.

The Papua New Guinea centre has been handed a three game ban following his side’s recent match against Featherstone Rovers when he was sent off for punching.

The RFL tweeted: “Disciplinary news: Leigh Centurions’ Nene MacDonald has been banned for 3 games for punching (Grade D) during his side’s recent match against Featherstone Rovers.”

Disciplinary news: Leigh Centurions’ Nene MacDonald has been banned for 3 games for punching (Grade D) during his side’s recent match against Featherstone Rovers. pic.twitter.com/nNwZxyPUnS

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 9, 2022

Also being linked with a Super League move is MacDonald – with leading rugby league agent Craig Harrison of Show Me The Money UK linking the hulking centre with Leeds Rhinos, despite the fact that the centre was said to have signed a new deal at Leigh.

“I’m hearing that Leeds have got a bit of an interest in Nene MacDonald,” Harrison said on The Full Eighty Minutes podcast.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Rohan has got an interest.”

Of course, Smith knows MacDonald from his time at Norths Devils which could hold the deciding factor if the Rhinos are indeed in for the 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been busy in the transfer market in recent weeks with Toulouse Olympique prop Justin Sangare and Wigan Warriors centre James McDonnell joining Headingley for 2023 and beyond.

Following the latest round of Betfred Championship, Betfred League One, Betfred Women’s Super League, Academy and Scholarship fixtures, the Match Review Panel issued these charges last week:

George Hough (Bradford Bulls Academy) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
George Hough (Bradford Bulls Academy) – Grade B Foul Language to Referee – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Dec Patton (Bradford Bulls) – Grade E Gouging – Refer to Tribunal
George Flanagan (Bradford Bulls) – Grade A Disputes Decision – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Nene MacDonald (Leigh Centurions) – Grade D Punching – Refer to Tribunal
Tyla Hepi (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade A Stands On Intentional – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Tyla Hepi (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade D Punching – Refer to Tribunal
Pat Moran (Rochdale Hornets) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Zac Baker (Rochdale Hornets) – Grade D Dangerous Throw – Refer to Tribunal
Gavin Bennion (Rochdale Hornets) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Brad Holroyd (Swinton Lions) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Luke Broadbent (Whitehaven) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Jessica Matthews (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:

Joe Martin (Halifax Panthers) – Other Contrary Behaviour