Salford Red Devils release statement to explain Nene Macdonald decision

Salford Red Devils have released a statement to confirm Nene Macdonald has taken unpaid leave.

The centre has made just five Super League appearances this season with salary cap restrictions and injury working against him and he won’t be involved this weekend either when Salford host St Helens.

That’s because he has made the decision to return home and be with his family without pay. Macdonald spent time down under in April, following a brief loan spell with Oldham, for the birth of his child and he will now spend time with his newborn for an unspecified period of the time.

The club are clear that Macdonald remains registered to Salford with the intention for him to come back, but when that will be remains to be seen.

Macdonald has been with Salford since the start of the 2024 season, joining the club after spells with Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos. He’s made 32 appearances for the club in that time, with his most recent outing coming last month in the 72-10 defeat to Wakefield Trinity.

Salford Red Devils head coach on Nene Macdonald

In the statement, head coach Paul Rowley is quoted as saying: “Nene goes back home with the support and best wishes of the club from top to bottom.

“On a personal note, he’s been a pleasure to coach and work with and I know he’s enjoyed every minute of pulling on the Salford jersey.

“In a bizarre situation, the rules imposed upon our club meant his loyalty and desire to not leave was to his detriment and he was left in limbo for several months which was very a difficult situation for him.

“The club and Nene have agreed that it’s in his best interest to go back home and enjoy some time with friends and family.

“We will continue to talk, and Nene remains registered to our club for a return in the future. The door will remain open and he leaves with all our love and understanding.”