Salford Red Devils’ Nene Macdonald backed to make NRL return as PNG’s Jason Demetriou makes ‘endorse’ comment

Papua New Guinea boss Jason Demetriou has spoken out about Nene Macdonald’s desire to return to the NRL. The Salford Red Devils man has spoken openly about how he feels ready to make a return to the sport’s premier competition Down Under after spending three seasons plying his trade in England.

Macdonald had spells with Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks earlier in his career, but in 2022 he made the move to Leigh Centurions (now Leopards) after running out of first grade options in Australia.

He scored 27 tries in as many games for Leigh to help them win promotion to Super League and in doing so, he earned a move to Leeds Rhinos. He spent just one season at Headingley, though, with the centre joining Salford on a four-year deal last October.

Of course, the PNG international, who scored two tries on Sunday as the Kumuls booked their spot in next week’s Pacific Championships promotion/relegation showdown with New Zealand, still has three years of that deal to run. But, it’s fair to say Macdonald has hit top form in a Red Devils shirt, earning a spot in the Super League Dream Team with his performances under Paul Rowley.

Macdonald insists he is happy at Salford Red Devils, but would be open to a return to the NRL should an approach be made and speaking after PNG’s win over Cook Islands, Demetriou insists he would be willing to endorse the back to any interested party.

“That’s what winning does, it creates opportunities for players and Nene has spoken about his desire to come back to the NRL,” Demetriou said when asked about Macdonald’s future. “He’s fitter, more committed and more disciplined than I’ve ever seen him or known him to be and that’s translating on the field.

“I thought he had a slow start but once he got going and got his hands on the footy, he’s such a dynamic player, he’s been awesome for us at the back and he’s country team first, every time you speak to him. I’d endorse him for sure if anyone was interested in signing him.”

The former Wakefield Trinity, Keighley Cougars and Widnes Vikings man added: “I think Lachie [Lam] was outstanding today playing against a heap of NRL players, as he has been in Super League.

“There’s plenty of guys who can do that but they’re in a position where they can come back on their terms. They’re doing great things over in England and we saw what the English team has done to an all NRL Samoa side, so it’s a strong competition, Super League, and the boys are getting some good experience over there.”