Nene MacDonald has shocking say on Leeds Rhinos future

In a difficult season for Leeds Rhinos, former Leigh Leopards star Nene MacDonald stood out for the West Yorkshire side.

His running game and versatility made him the ideal play for Rohan Smith’s side and in a difficult season he was a rare bright spark.

He left the country to go to Australia for the birth of his child ahead of Leeds’ game against Huddersfield Giants.

He had agreed to return for the game against Hull FC but didn’t and it is widely believed that his Leeds career was over.

But MacDonald has now spoken out about the situation:

“I came back to Australia for the birth of my child,” he told Post-Courier. “I signed a four-year deal, I’m still there and I don’t know what everyone is saying but I still got a four-year deal.

“I’m still contracted and I haven’t done anything wrong…we (Rhinos) can’t make the finals so I’m staying back and getting the chance to play and it’s just exciting to be back. It’s been too long like 2019 COVID and home and being away in England…miss being here and it’s good to be back home.”

Smith did reveal text messages with the player whoever.

He said: “I had a few text messages exchanged a couple of weeks ago now. That was the last time I’ve had communication.

“It’s been left to Gary and Nene’s management to sort out where that goes.

“I’m not going to speculate about any scenarios there. There hasn’t been an update in the last four or five days since I was last asked that question.

“So when there is, we’ll be looking forward to a resolution to it for Neta and his young family to get the best solution and also for the club, whatever that works out to be.

“That’s just an ongoing process at the moment. He’s unavailable this week.”

“PNG Rugby Football League is pleased to confirm the Prime Minister’s XIII squad for the upcoming friendly match against our Australian Counterparts.

“Eighteen players have been selected to take part in the clash scheduled for Sept 23rd at the National Football Stadium.”

Chairman of PNGLNG Kumuls Wapu Sonk, on behalf of the PNGRFL board, congratulated the players selected.

“We have every confidence in the team and know they will make us proud next Saturday,” chairman Sonk said.

“We also extend our appreciation to the sponsors for hosting this event, especially after a five-year hiatus and the clash finally returns to our shores,” said Sonk.

“Every player selected was the best we could pick considering all the clashing finals on the same weekend and injuries to key players were factors out of our control during this selection process.

“However, we hope to carry on and give our boys a competitive hit-out before the Pacific Series next month.

There are some new faces selected from the ExxonMobil Cup with majority coming from the Hos-plus Cup competition and one from England.

The selected players will assemble on Sunday before going into a one week camp, while the Australian team arrives on Thursday.

Meanwhile, The PNG Kumuls squad for the Tri-nations will be announced on a Seperate date” said Mr. Sonk.

The 2023 PNG Men’s PM’s 13 squad as follows:

Treigh Stewart (Dragons), Robert Derby (Cowboys), Rodrick Tai (Hunters), Zac Laybutt (Cowboys), Nene Mcdonald (Leeds), Gary James (Enga Mioks), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville), Epel Kapinias (Hunters), Judah Rimbu (Hunters), Valentine Richard (Hunters), Nixon Putt (Capras), Jermiah Simbiken (Dolphins), Cruise Ten (South’s Logan), Morea Morea (Hunters), Junior Rop (Hunters), Tommy Moide (Hunters), Seal Kalo (Hunters), Benji Kot (Hunters).