Leeds Rhinos confirmed the departure of Nene MacDonald. The centre joined the club from Leigh Leopards at the start of 2023 and debuted against Hull FC.
He however left for Australia for the birth of his child ahead of a game against Huddersfield Giants.
He didn’t return in time for the game against Hull FC as expected nor for games against Wigan Warriors and Castleford Tigers.
He has now been released and has been linked with a move to Salford Red Devils but according to Zero Tackle he could still join an Australian team next year.
Rohan Smith has had his say on the saga:
“Once he didn’t come back initially it didn’t look positive in that short term have been able to contribute to the back end of the season.
“So that was really the focus of that period of time. I’ve kept myself out of it and left it for Gary and Nene’s management team to work out the resolution.
“I’m glad we’ve got a resolution. We’re moving on and that creates an opportunity for us to strengthen our squad. And we’re in the mix. So we look forward to closing something out there very soon.
“Obviously, I know it seems amicable from the state of the club but for him to go home and then not come back there was some confusion for some time. Has it been disappointing how it’s played out?
“It hasn’t gone to plan you’d say. That’s the nature of life in sport sometimes, things don’t go to plan. We had to get on without it, we did the best we could at the time with the people we had. I’m really excited about what’s coming ahead.
“As I said, hopefully a replacement player to the announcement. It frees up a quarter spot doesn’t it with Nene going.”
In terms of a replacement, he said:
“It’s difficult in the English market. There’s some great English centres in all positions and some great English players but the depth of talent is not there as it is in the NRL. So it’s most likely that position will be replaced with a quota position.
“We’re speaking to a few centres, we’re speaking to a few other positions as well. We’ve got a bit of versatility there with Rhys, he’s done a good job there at centre. I envisage Rhys will be more or less in place by the start of pre-season?
“I think it’s November is when it will start. I think the signings will be in place and the availability with visas and entry in the country probably won’t be at the start of pre-season but the key signings look like they’re well down the path. We’ll see if we can get that sorted pre-sit.”
Asked about his reported move to Salford Red Devils, he expressed a shock:
“I don’t know if anything is surprising to me, but that would be as close to a surprise as it gets for me.”
