Nene MacDonald reveals what Leeds Rhinos’ reputation is down under

Nene MacDonald was Leeds Rhinos’ last signing going into 2023.

He re-joins his former North Devils coach Rohan Smith at Headingley after impressing at Leigh last season but won’t feature as part of their new era at Leigh Leopards despite being contracted to the club for 2023.

But what drove MacDonald to sign for the Rhinos?

A big part of it was their reputation as he noted the size of the club and how they are seen down under.

“They have a big reputation down under especially from the guys who have played for them and I spoke to a few boys and they say such high remarks about the club. They are such a big part of Super League and it’s very exciting to be part of it,” MacDonald said before revealing a former Rhino helped him make the decision.

“I was stuck between making a decision with a few clubs and I spoke to Paul Aiton and he said if there is one club he wishes he would have stayed at longer it was Leeds and he told me if I had a chance to join then I should take it with both hands.

“It came late. There was talk about it during the World Cup campaign but I pushed it away to focus on that but once that was done, and to be coached by Rohan, to here from Rhyse and Paul and others, made it an easy decision.”

He also revealed that their chances of silverware drove the decision:

“That was a massive part of it, they are a successful club and got so far last year and I want to be part of the team that goes all the way and hopefully if we stay fit and get all the way to the G F and get the job done.