St Helens have bolstered their back line with the signing of Papua New Guinean international, Nene MacDonald.
The centre will link up with Paul Rowley once again, signing from Salford Red Devils following the club’s liquidation last week.
MacDonald was one of many players to exit the club through the season, as he took unpaid leave to return to Australia for the majority, before shockingly returning to the side to feature in the final two matches of the season.
He represented PNG in this year’s Pacific Championships, playing in matches against the Cook Islands and Fiji, and scoring against the Fijians in a 50-18 victory.
He initially moved to the UK in 2022, as he formed part of Leigh’s Championship winning squad. He scored a hat-trick on debut against Whitehaven, and ended that year with 27 tries in 27 matches.
The 31-year-old moved to Leeds Rhinos for 2023, and stayed there for one season, despite signing a four-year deal at the club that summer. He would move to Salford, where he has featured 23 times under Rowley, and will do so again in 2026.
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St Helens confirm Nene MacDonald capture
Macdonald takes the 25 jersey left vacant by the club in their squad number reveal. He joins on a two-year deal, and will provide healthy competition across all positions in the Saints back line.
Commenting on his move to the Red Vee, he said: “I can’t wait. When I first came over to England, Saints were winning everything and known for being such a huge club, so to be able to come and join a big club with such history is really exciting.
“It feels like a fresh start with the new coach and new players, big players too, and I’m looking forward to helping get Saints back on top.”
On being able to work with Rowley again, he added: “He’s a great coach and manages me really well to get the best out of me. I’ll give my best for Saints and for him.”
Rowley also had nothing but praise to say for his new recruit. He said: “Nene is a player who I’m confident will bring excitement and added quality to the BrewDog Stadium in 2026.
“To be able to bring a player of Nene’s calibre to the Club at such a late stage is a real boost to our squad and testament to the ambition and support of Mike Rush and the Board.
“It’s important for me to thank the Club publicly for their support of myself and the team, as it’s very much appreciated.”
✍️ 𝗠𝗔𝗖𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗗
Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald joins the Saints on a two-year contract! 🇵🇬
Full story 😇 https://t.co/6IlsZyXMmI#COYS
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) December 11, 2025
