Nene Macdonald
{{short description|Papua New Guinea international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|image = NENE MACDONALD.jpg
|image_size =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1994|05|11}}
|birth_place = Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
|height = {{convert|193|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|102|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|position = {{rlp|WG|CE|FB}}
|club1 = Sydney Roosters
|year1start = 2014
|year1end = 15
|appearances1 = 11
|tries1 = 3
|goals1 = 0
|fieldgoals1 = 0
|points1 = 12
|club2 = {{nowrap|Gold Coast Titans}}
|year2start = 2015
|year2end = 16
|appearances2 = 34
|tries2 = 14
|goals2 = 0
|fieldgoals2 = 0
|points2 = 56
|club3 = {{nowrap|St. George Illawarra}}
|year3start = 2017
|year3end = 18
|appearances3 = 46
|tries3 = 16
|goals3 = 0
|fieldgoals3 = 0
|points3 = 64
|club4 = {{nowrap|North Qld Cowboys}}
|year4start = 2019
|year4end =
|appearances4 = 5
|tries4 = 1
|goals4 = 0
|fieldgoals4 = 0
|points4 = 4
|club5 = Cronulla Sharks
|year5start = 2020
|year5end =
|appearances5 = 2
|tries5 = 1
|goals5 = 0
|fieldgoals5 = 0
|points5 = 4
|club6 = {{nowrap|Leigh Centurions}}
|year6start = 2022
|year6end =
|appearances6 = 27
|tries6 = 27
|goals6 = 0
|fieldgoals6 = 0
|points6 = 108
|club7 = {{nowrap|Leeds Rhinos}}
|year7start = 2023
|year7end =
|appearances7 = 20
|tries7 = 2
|goals7 = 0
|fieldgoals7 = 0
|points7 = 8
|club8 = {{nowrap|Salford Red Devils}}
|year8start = 2024
|year8end = 25
|appearances8 = 32
|tries8 = 18
|goals8 = 0
|fieldgoals8 = 0
|points8 = 56
| club9 = {{nowrap|→ Oldham}}
| year9start = 2025{{small|(loan)}}
| year9end =
| appearances9 = 2
| tries9 = 1
| goals9 = 0
| fieldgoals9 = 0
| points9 = 4
| teamA = {{nowrap|PNG Prime Minister's XIII}}
| yearAstart = 2013
| yearAend = 23
| appearancesA = 3
| triesA = 0
| goalsA = 0
| fieldgoalsA = 0
| pointsA = 0
| teamB = Papua New Guinea
| yearBstart = 2013
| yearBend = present
| appearancesB = 19
| triesB = 12
| goalsB = 0
| fieldgoalsB = 0
| pointsB = 48
| teamC = World All Stars
| yearCstart = 2016
| yearCend = 17
| appearancesC = 2
| triesC = 1
| goalsC = 0
| fieldgoalsC = 0
| pointsC = 4
| retired =
| updated = 12 June 2025
}}
Nene Macdonald (born 11 May 1994) is a Papua New Guinean professional rugby league footballer, who last played as a {{rlp|wg}}er or {{rlp|ce}} for Salford Red Devils in the Super League, and Papua New Guinea at international level.
He previously played for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, Leigh Centurions in the Championship, Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League, the Northern Pride RLFC and the Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup, the Wyong Roos and the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup and the World All Stars at representative level.
Background
{{unreferencedsect|date=June 2025}}
Born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Macdonald moved to Queensland, Australia at a young age and played his junior football for the Cairns Brothers, before being signed by the Gold Coast Titans.
Club career
=2012=
In 2012, he joined the Sydney Roosters. He played for the Roosters' NYC team in 2012 and 2013.{{Cite web |url=http://rleague.com/players/Nene-MacDonald_3772/Stats/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=27 June 2015 |archive-date=31 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031210105/http://rleague.com/players/Nene-MacDonald_3772/Stats/ |url-status=dead }}
=2014=
On 11 February 2014, Macdonald was selected in the Roosters' inaugural 2014 NRL Auckland Nines squad.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/|title=Squads For Auckland Nines|date=2014-02-14|website=Rugby League Week|publisher=Bauer Media Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115214258/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/|archive-date=15 January 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}} In Round 11 of the 2014 NRL season, he made his NRL debut for the Roosters against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on the wing and scored a try in the Roosters' 32-12 win at ANZ Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.roosters.com.au/news/2014/05/23/late_mail_robbo_names_debutant_duo.html|title=Late Mail: Robbo names debutant-duo|date=2014-05-23|website=Sydney Roosters|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723032841/https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2014/05/23/late-mail-robbo-names-debutant-duo/|archive-date=2018-07-23|url-status=live|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fansunite.com.au/2014/05/24/3932/roosters-down-dogs-3212|title=Roosters Down Dogs 32-12|last=Scott|first=Rory|date=2014-05-24|website=Fans Unite|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628203821/http://www.fansunite.com.au/2014/05/24/3932/roosters-down-dogs-3212|archive-date=2015-06-28|url-status=live|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}} He finished his debut year in the NRL having played 7 games and scoring 3 tries for the Roosters. On 2 September 2014, he was named on the wing in the 2014 NYC Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/holden-team-year-announced/|title=Holden Cup Team Of The Year Announced|date=2014-09-02|website=Rugby League Week|publisher=Bauer Media Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626101814/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/holden-team-year-announced/|archive-date=26 June 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}}
=2015=
On 31 January and 1 February, Macdonald again played for the Roosters' in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/roosters-2015-nines-squad/|title=ROOSTERS NAME 2015 NINES SQUAD|date=2015-01-24|website=Rugby League Week|publisher=Bauer Media Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203055113/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/roosters-2015-nines-squad/|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}}
File:NENE MACDONALD Wyong Roos.jpg in 2015]]
On 16 June, he signed a {{frac|1|1|2}}-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans mid-season effective immediately.{{cite web|url=http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/16/two_new_titans_join_.html|title=Two new Titans join ranks|date=2015-06-16|website=Gold Coast Titans|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409094651/https://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/16/two-new-titans-join-ranks/|archive-date=2018-04-09|url-status=live|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/titans/nrl-2015-titans-sign-nene-macdonald-and-chad-redman/news-story/deb003330ee24dad2599d5b8d456a0c0|title=NRL 2015: Titans sign Nene Macdonald and Chad Redman|last=Badel|first=Peter|date=2015-06-17|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=2015-12-20|publisher=News Corp|df=dmy-all}} He made his club debut for the Titans in Round 15 against the New Zealand Warriors, playing at centre in the Titans' 36-14 loss at Cbus Super Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/20/three-late-changes-in-nrl/|title=Three late changes in NRL|date=2015-06-20|website=Gold Coast Titans|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723041157/https://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/20/three-late-changes-in-nrl/|archive-date=2018-07-23|url-status=live|access-date=2015-06-26|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/titans/titans-nene-macdonald-hails-maroons-coach-mal-meninga-after-his-promising-gold-coast-debut/news-story/19bba1a8c5bbb217fc66cd4e11475bcd|title=Titans' Nene Macdonald hails Maroons coach Mal Meninga after his promising Gold Coast debut|last=Balym|first=Todd|date=2015-06-22|work=The Courier-Mail|access-date=2015-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119162839/https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/titans/titans-nene-macdonald-hails-maroons-coach-mal-meninga-after-his-promising-gold-coast-debut/news-story/19bba1a8c5bbb217fc66cd4e11475bcd|archive-date=2017-11-19|url-status=live|publisher=News Corp|df=dmy-all}} In his next match in Round 16 against his former club the Sydney Roosters, he scored his first try for the Titans in their 20-10 loss at Central Coast Stadium.{{Cite news|url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/gold-coast-titans-v-sydney-roosters-join-the-conversation-using-nrlroosterstitans/story-fnj9yd9w-1227418697687|title=Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters. Join the conversation using #NRLRoostersTitans|date=2015-06-28|work=Gold Coast Bulletin|access-date=2015-12-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702030240/https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/gold-coast-titans-v-sydney-roosters-join-the-conversation-using-nrlroosterstitans/story-fnj9yd9w-1227418697687|archive-date=2015-07-02|url-status=live|publisher=News Corp|df=dmy-all}} He finished off the 2015 season having played in 4 matches for the Roosters and 11 matches for the Titans, scoring 4 tries.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/LTE2NjAtNC0tLS0tLTIwNjQ1LS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLQ==|title=Custom Match List|website=Rugby League Project|access-date=2018-07-23|df=dmy-all}}
=2016=
In February, he played for the Titans in the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/titans-unveil-2016-nines-squad/|title=Titans unveil 2016 Nines squad|date=2016-01-29|website=Rugby League Week|publisher=Bauer Media Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131060105/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/titans-unveil-2016-nines-squad/|archive-date=2016-01-31|url-status=dead|access-date=2016-02-02|df=dmy-all}} In August, he signed a 3-year contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons starting in 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/gold-coast-titans-winger-nene-macdonald-joins-st-george-illawarra-dragons-20160830-gr4dlq.html|title=Gold Coast Titans Winger Nene Macdonald joins St George Illawarra Dragons|date=2016-08-30|work=Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723063928/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/gold-coast-titans-winger-nene-macdonald-joins-st-george-illawarra-dragons-20160830-gr4dlq.html|archive-date=2018-07-23|url-status=live|publisher=Fairfax Media|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zerotackle.com/dragons-sign-nene-macdonald-23471/|title=Dragons sign Nene Macdonald|date=2016-08-30|website=Zero Tackle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831150655/https://www.zerotackle.com/dragons-sign-nene-macdonald-23471/|archive-date=2016-08-31|url-status=live|access-date=2016-08-30|df=dmy-all}} He finished the 2016 season having played in 23 matches and scoring 10 tries in his last year with the Titans.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NzQtMTY3Ny00LS0tLS0tMjA2NDUtLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|title=Custom Match List|website=Rugby League Project|access-date=2016-12-08|df=dmy-all}}
=2017=
In February 2017, Macdonald was named in the Dragons 2017 NRL Auckland Nines squad.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nrl.com/2017-downer-nrl-auckland-nines-squads/tabid/10874/newsid/103308/default.aspx|title=2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines squads|date=2017-02-04|work=NRL.com|access-date=2018-07-23|publisher=National Rugby League|language=en-AU|df=dmy-all}} In Round 1 of the 2017 NRL season, Macdonald made his club debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons against the Penrith Panthers, playing on the wing in the 42-10 win at Jubilee Oval.{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/rabbitohs/live-nrl-st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-penrith-panthers-blog-scores/news-story/1f8a83789c45d76c7d4f40280cf28cdb|title=Gareth Widdop stars for St George Illawarra Dragons in NRL Penrith Panthers win in round one|last=Ryan|first=Nathan|date=2017-03-04|website=Fox Sports|language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307151711/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/rabbitohs/live-nrl-st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-penrith-panthers-blog-scores/news-story/1f8a83789c45d76c7d4f40280cf28cdb|archive-date=2017-03-07|url-status=live|access-date=2018-07-23|df=dmy-all}}
=2018=
On 9 October, Macdonald signed a three-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys starting in 2019.{{Cite web | url=https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2018/10/09/macdonald-to-join-cowboys/ | title=Macdonald to join Cowboys| date=9 October 2018}}
=2019=
In March, Macdonald was dropped from a pre-season trial game against the Melbourne Storm for being late to training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=CMWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.couriermail.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fcowboys-recruit-nene-macdonald-left-out-of-trial-team-for-being-late-to-training%2Fnews-story%2Fd614c3ac9792b5db29654d926c0fc79a&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=b2c8bd108dbfa2ede0820eacbbe95c2e-1614456481|title=Couriermail.com.au | Subscribe to The Courier Mail for exclusive stories|website=www.couriermail.com.au}}
In round 1 of the 2019 NRL season, Macdonald made his debut for North Queensland, scoring a try in their 24–12 victory over his former club, the St George Illawarra Dragons.{{Cite web | url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/16/taumalolo-show-guides-cowboys-past-dragons/ |title = Taumalolo runs rampant as Cowboys take down Dragons|date = 16 March 2019}} In round 5, he suffered a fracture and dislocation of his ankle in the club's 12–18 defeat by the Melbourne Storm.{{Cite web | url=https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2019/04/13/nene-macdonald-injury-update/ | title=Nene Macdonald injury update| date=13 April 2019}}
On 20 June, he was involved in a traffic incident, in which a hired car leased in his name was found damaged and abandoned on Magnetic Island.{{Cite web | url=https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2019/06/20/club-statement/ |title = Club statement|date = 20 June 2019}}{{Cite web | url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/07/05/nene-macdonald-released-from-cowboys-contract/ |title = Nene Macdonald released from Cowboys contract|date = 5 July 2019}} On 5 July, he was released by North Queensland.{{Cite web | url=https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2019/07/05/statement-nene-macdonald/ |title = Statement: Nene Macdonald|date = 5 July 2019}}
=2020=
On 11 June, Macdonald signed a contract to join Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks after twelve months out of the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/nrl-2020-nene-macdonald-confirms-nrl-return-with-cronulla-sharks/1hqihojyfhac41axv0dd9odp03/|title=Nene Macdonald confirms return|website=www.sportingnews.com}} Macdonald made his debut for Cronulla-Sutherland in round 9 against Penrith and scored a try as Cronulla were beaten 56-24 at Kogarah Oval.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-11/panthers-pile-the-pain-on-sharks-in-56-24-flogging/12446252/|title=Panthers pile the pain on Cronulla|newspaper=ABC News|date=11 July 2020}}
=2021=
Macdonald joined the Norths Devils and played four games for the Queensland Cup club, including their 16-10 grand final win over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qrl.com.au/draw/qrl-premiership/2021/grand-final/game-1/|title = Devils v WM Seagulls}} On 5 November, he signed a train and trial deal with Brisbane worth $1000 a week.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/macdonald-joins-broncos/|title=Macdonald joins Broncos|website=www.thenational.com.pg}}
On 29 November, it was announced that Macdonald had signed to play for Leigh in the Betfred Championship under Leigh's Papua New Guinean head coach Adrian Lam.{{Cite web|title=Leigh Centurions sign NRL international three-quarter|url=https://www.leighjournal.co.uk/sport/leighcenturions/19749218.leigh-centurions-sign-nrl-international-three-quarter-nene-macdonald/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Leigh Journal|language=en}}
=2022=
In round 1 of the 2022 season, MacDonald scored a hat-trick on his club debut for Leigh in their 50-4 victory over Whitehaven.{{cite web|url=https://www.leighjournal.co.uk/news/19885839.nene-macdonald-hat-trick-leigh-centurions-pay-tribute-des-drummond/|title=Nene Macdonald hat-trick as Leigh Centurions pay tribute to Des Drummond|website=www.leighjournal.co.uk}}
On 28 May, Macdonald played for Leigh in their 2022 RFL 1895 Cup final victory over Featherstone. On 10 July, Macdonald scored a hat-trick in Leigh's 66-0 victory over Workington Town.{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/featherstone-rovers-1895-cup-final-defeat-to-leigh-centurions-gives-brian-mcdermotts-side-signal-of-their-progress-3713313/|title=Featherstone Rovers: 1895 Cup final defeat to Leigh Centurions gives Brian McDermott's side signal of their progress|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}}
On 3 October 2022, Macdonald scored try in the Million Pound Game victory over Batley which saw Leigh promoted back to the Super League.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/12710793/leigh-44-12-batley-centurions-seal-super-league-return-with-deserved-win-in-championship-grand-final/|title=Leigh 44-12 Batley: Centurions seal Super League return with deserved win in Championship Grand Final|website=Sky Sport|access-date=3 November 2024|date=3 October 2022}} On 17 November 2022, Macdonald joined Leeds Rhinos from Leigh for the 2023 season with a pre-season friendly being announced as part of the deal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-nene-macdonald-leigh-25538938|title=Leeds Rhinos complete deal for Papua New Guinea and Leigh Leopards star|website=Leeds Live|last=Shaw|first=Matthew|date=17 November 2022|access-date=3 November 2024}}
=2023=
In round 2 of the 2023 Super League season, Macdonald made his club debut for Leeds in their 22-18 loss against Hull F.C.{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-18-hull-fc-22-experience-wins-out-as-scott-taylor-settles-smith-family-battle-4041357/|title=Leeds Rhinos 18 Hull FC 22: Experience wins out as Scott Taylor settles Smith family battle|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}}
Macdonald played a total of 19 games for Leeds in the 2023 Super League season as the club finished 8th on the table and missed the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-2023-season-review-picking-out-the-best-and-worst-players-performances-results-4355920/|title=Leeds Rhinos' 2023 season review: picking out the best and worst players, performances, results|website=www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk}}
On 16 October 2023 it was reported that he had signed a four-year deal to join Salford ahead of the 2024 season.{{cite web|website=Love Rugby League|date=16 Oct 2023|title=Papua New Guinea star Nene Macdonald makes Super League return on long-term deal with Salford Red Devils|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/papua-new-guinea-star-nene-macdonald-makes-super-league-return-on-long-term-deal-with-salford-red-devils}}
=2024=
In round 1 of the 2024 Super League season, Macdonald made his club debut for Salford against his former team Leeds. Leeds would win the match 22-16.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/68304724/|title=Super League: Leeds 22-16 Salford - Two tries for Ash Handley as Rhinos outlast Red Devils|website=www.bbc.co.uk}} At the end of the season, Macdonald was the sole Salford representative in the Super League Dream Team.{{cite web |title=Wigan head up Super League Dream Team selections |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c78de9v0q21o |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=3 November 2024 |date=22 September 2024}}
=2025=
On 4 April 2025, as part of Salford's on-going financial turmoil, it was reported that he had signed for Oldham RLFC in the RFL Championship on short-term loan{{cite web|website=Love Rugby League|date=4 Apr 2025|author=Ben Olawumi|title=Nene Macdonald makes sensational Championship switch as Salford Red Devils exit confirmed|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/nene-macdonald-makes-sensational-championship-switch-as-salford-red-devils-exit-confirmed}}
Representative career
File:nenemacdonald.jpg side in 2013]]
In October 2005, Macdonald played for the Australian Schoolboys.{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/heres-a-tip-keep-an-eye-on-these-young-boys-20110716-1hj0u.html|title=Here's a tip: Keep an eye on these young boys|last=Riddell|first=Mark|date=2011-07-17|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2015-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723023621/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/heres-a-tip-keep-an-eye-on-these-young-boys-20110716-1hj0u.html|archive-date=2018-07-23|url-status=live|publisher=Fairfax Media|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ourfootyteam.com/assrl_2011_archives.php|title=AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS 2nd Test Team|date=2011-10-08|website=Our Footy Team|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802042806/http://www.ourfootyteam.com/assrl_2011_archives.php|archive-date=2017-08-02|url-status=live|access-date=2015-05-03|df=dmy-all}} In 2013 and 2014, he played for the Queensland Under-20s team.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-2984-0-0-0&sID=176538&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=23199641|title=Holden U/20's State of Origin: Queensland U/20's v NSW U/20's|date=2013-04-17|website=NRL South East Division QLD|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105064915/http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-2984-0-0-0&sID=176538&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=23199641|archive-date=2014-11-05|url-status=live|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/qld-u20s-origin-team-announced/|title=QLD U20s ORIGIN TEAM ANNOUNCED|date=2014-04-28|website=Rugby League Week|publisher=Bauer Media Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627180541/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/qld-u20s-origin-team-announced/|archive-date=2015-06-27|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}}
On 12 January 2016, Macdonald was selected in the QAS Emerging Maroons squad.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/maroons-name-emerging-origin-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/91313/default.aspx|title=Maroons name Emerging Origin squad|last=Webeck|first=Tony|date=2016-01-12|website=NRL.com|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719203436/https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/01/12/maroons-name-emerging-origin-squad/|archive-date=2018-07-19|url-status=live|access-date=2016-01-15|df=dmy-all}} Macdonald was named on interchange bench for the 2016 World All Stars to play against the Indigenous All Stars in the NRL All Stars game, {{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/teams-named-for-nrl-all-stars-match/tabid/10874/newsid/91188/default.aspx|title=Teams named for NRL All Stars match|date=2015-12-15|website=NRL.com|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615190617/https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/12/15/teams-named-for-nrl-all-stars-match/|archive-date=2018-06-15|url-status=live|access-date=2015-12-20|df=dmy-all}} playing on the wing in his team's 12-8 win at Suncorp Stadium.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/world-all-stars-defeat-indigenous-all-stars-128-at-suncorp-stadium/news-story/034a63c6602597828b4b9a5ce72f986e|title=World All Stars defeat Indigenous All Stars 12-8 at Suncorp Stadium|last=Garry|first=Chris|date=2016-02-13|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2016-02-16|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/all-stars-trial-games-team-lists/tabid/10874/newsid/92774/default.aspx|title=All Stars, trial games team lists|date=2016-02-13|website=NRL.com|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327212136/https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/02/13/all-stars-trial-games-team-lists/|archive-date=2018-03-27|url-status=live|access-date=2016-02-16|df=dmy-all}}
On 10 February 2017, Macdonald again played for the World All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars in the 2017 All Stars match, playing on the wing and scoring a try in the 34-8 loss at Hunter Stadium.{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-updates-of-nrl-all-stars-at-hunter-stadium-in-newcastle/news-story/d137d71a228da375f0d48a0d0ed1bdaf|title=Updates of NRL All Stars at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle|date=2017-02-10|work=News.com.au|access-date=2018-07-23|publisher=News Corp|language=en|df=dmy-all}} Macdonald played for Papua New Guinea in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
International career
In 2013, he made a try-scoring debut for Papua New Guinea against the Prime Minister's XIII team,{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/pm-s-xiii-beat-png-50-10-in-league-match|title=PM's XIII beat PNG 50-10 in league match|date=2013-09-29|work=SBS News|access-date=2015-06-18|publisher=SBS Australia|agency=Australian Associated Press|df=dmy-all}} and was selected in the Papua New Guinea squad for the 2013 World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc2013.com/player/406|title=Papua New Guinea - Nene McDonald|website=Rugby League World Cup 2013|publisher=Rugby League International Federation Ltd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627152447/http://www.rlwc2013.com/player/406|archive-date=2015-06-27|url-status=usurped|access-date=2015-06-18|df=dmy-all}} He played in 3 matches and scored three tries and a field goal in Papua New Guinea's 9-8 defeat by France.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/world-cup/late-william-barthau-field-goal-seals-narrow-9-8-win-for-france-over-papua-new-guinea-at-world-cup/story-fnk3vz4p-1226747942363|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141031202742/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/world-cup/late-william-barthau-field-goal-seals-narrow-9-8-win-for-france-over-papua-new-guinea-at-world-cup/story-fnk3vz4p-1226747942363|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-10-31|title= David Mead misses easy late penalty goal attempt as Papua New Guinea fall to France at World Cup|publisher=Foxsports.com.au|access-date=18 June 2015}}
In 2015, he played for Papua New Guinea against Fiji in the 2015 Melanesian Cup, playing on the wing in the Papua New Guinea's 22-10 loss at Cbus Super Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/representative-round-team-lists/tabid/10874/newsid/85557/default.aspx|title=Representative Round team lists|date=2015-04-28|website=NRL.com|publisher=National Rugby League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615190645/https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/05/03/representative-round-team-lists/|archive-date=2018-06-15|url-status=live|access-date=2015-12-20|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/korbin-sims-storms-into-maroons-origin-contention-with-standout-performance-in-fijis-win-over-papua-new-guinea/news-story/a7eddca374db194e5f6c7820d810809c|title=Korbin Sims storms into Maroons Origin contention with standout performance in Fiji's win over Papua New Guinea|last=Garry|first=Chris|date=2015-05-02|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=2015-12-20|publisher=News Corp|df=dmy-all}}
On 7 May 2016, he played for Papua New Guinea against Fiji in the 2016 Melanesian Cup, playing at centre and scoring a try in Papua New Guinea's 24-22 win at Parramatta Stadium.{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/fiji-bati-unearth-new-wing-star-as-png-kumuls-secure-historic-test-win-20160507-goowy0.html|title=Fiji Bati unearth new wing star as PNG Kumuls secure historic Test win|last=Walter|first=Brad|date=2016-05-07|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2016-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723063714/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/fiji-bati-unearth-new-wing-star-as-png-kumuls-secure-historic-test-win-20160507-goowy0.html|archive-date=2018-07-23|url-status=live|publisher=Fairfax Media|df=dmy-all}}
In 2022, Macdonald was selected for the Papua New Guinea Squad at the delayed 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England. Macdonald started the group stage matches against Tonga,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63293856|website=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2022|access-date=3 November 2024|title=Rugby League World Cup: Tonga 24-18 Papua New Guinea - late win for 2017 semi-finalists}} Wales,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63464967|website=|date=31 October 2022|access-date=3 November 2024|title=Rugby League World Cup: Papua New Guinea 36-0 Wales - Kumuls seal quarter-final against England|last=Pope|first=Bruce}} and Cook Islands,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63368338|title=Rugby League World Cup: Papua New Guinea 32-16 Cook Islands - PNG boost quarter-final hopes|date=25 October 2022|access-date=3 November 2024|website=BBC Sport}} as well as the quarter-final loss to England,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63528081|website=BBC Sport|date=5 November 2022|access-date=3 November 2024|title=England 46-6 PNG - Tommy Makinson scores five tries|last=Hafez|first=Shamoon}} but failed to register any points.
Macdonald was ever-present in Papua New Guinea's successful 2023 Pacific Bowl campaign, scoring four tries against the Cook Islands in Port Moresby{{Cite news|url=https://www.nrl.com/draw/pacific-championships/2023/round-1/papua-new-guinea-v-cook-islands/|website=National Rugby League|access-date=3 November 2024|date=15 October 2023|title=PNG Kumuls 46-10 Cook Islands Aitu}} on the way to winning the Bowl.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nrl.com/draw/pacific-championships/2023/grand-final/fiji-bati-v-png-kumuls/|website=National Rugby League|access-date=3 November 2024|date=5 November 2023|title=Fiji Bati 12-32 PNG Kumuls}}
In 2024, Macdonald played in the Kumuls' unbeaten run to the promotion final in the 2024 Rugby League Pacific Championships, playing at Fullback and scoring a try against in the tournament's opening match against Fiji in Suva,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nrl.com/draw/pacific-championships/2024/week-1/fiji-bati-v-png-kumuls/|website=National Rugby League|date=19 October 2024|access-date=3 November 2024|title=Fiji Bati 10-22 PNG Kumuls}} and registering a brace against the Cook Islands a fortnight later in Port Moresby.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nrl.com/draw/pacific-championships/2024/week-3/png-kumuls-v-cook-islands-aitu/|website=National Rugby League|date=3 November 2024|access-date=3 November 2024|title=PNG Kumuls 42-20 Cook Islands Aitu}}
Statistics
=NRL, Super League & RFL Championship=
: Statistics are correct to end of 2024 season{{cite web |title=Nene Macdonald - Career Stats & Summary |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/nene-macdonald/summary.html |website=Rugby League Project |access-date=10 May 2021}}
| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:85%;" | |||||
| width=2%|Season
!width=8%|Team !width=2%|Matches !width=2%|T !width=2%|G !width=2%|GK % !width=2%|F/G !width=2%|Pts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2014
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" |{{leagueicon|Sydney|16}} Sydney Roosters | 7 || 3 || 0 || — || 0 || 12 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2015 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2015
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" |{{leagueicon|Gold Coast Titans|16}} Gold Coast Titans | 11 || 4 || 0 || — || 0 || 16 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2016 | 23 | 10 | 0 | — | 0 | 40 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2017
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" |{{leagueicon|St George|16}} St George Illawarra Dragons | 23 || 6 || 0 || — || 0 || 24 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2018 | 23 | 10 | 0 | — | 0 | 40 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2019
|style="text-align:left;"|{{leagueicon|North Queensland|16}} North Queensland Cowboys | 5 || 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 4 | |||||
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"|2020
|style="text-align:left;"|{{leagueicon|Cronulla|16}} Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 1 || 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 4 | |||||
| align=center|2022
| align=left |{{leagueicon|leigh|17}} Leigh Leopards |27 |27 | | | |108 | |||||
| align=center|2023
| align=left |{{leagueicon|leeds|17}} Leeds Rhinos |20 |2 | | | |8 | |||||
| align=center|2024
| rowspan=2 align=left |{{leagueicon|Salford City|17}} Salford Red Devils |23 |12 | | | |48 | |||||
| align=center|2025
| | | | | | | |||||
| align=center|2025
| align=left |→ {{leagueicon|Oldham|17}} Oldham RLFC (loan) | | | | | | | |||||
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan="2" | Career totals ! 168 ! 76 ! 0 ! — ! 0 ! 304 |
=International=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:85%;" | |||||
| width=2%|Season
!width=8%|Team !width=2%|Matches !width=2%|T !width=2%|G !width=2%|GK % !width=2%|F/G !width=2%|Pts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2013
| rowspan="8" style="text-align:left;" |{{leagueicon|PNG|16}} Papua New Guinea | 3|| 1|| 0|| —|| 0|| 4 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2015 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2016
| 1|| 1|| 0|| —|| 0|| 4 | |||||
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal"| 2017 | 4 | 3 | 0 | — | 0 | 12 |
| 2022
|4 | | | | | | |||||
| 2023
|3 | | | | | | |||||
| 2024
|3 |3 | | | |12 | |||||
| 2025
| | | | | | | |||||
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan="2" | Career totals ! align="right" |17 ! align="right" |12 ! align="right" |0 ! — ! 0 ! 48 |
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20181012135135/https://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-premiership/dragons/nene-macdonald/ NRL profile]
{{Oldham RLFC squad}}
{{Norths Devils squad - 2021 Queensland Cup premiers}}
{{Papua New Guinea 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{Papua New Guinea 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{Papua New Guinea 2021 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2014 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Macdonald, Nene}}
Category:21st-century Papua New Guinean sportsmen
Category:Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks players
Category:Gold Coast Titans players
Category:Leigh Leopards players
Category:North Queensland Cowboys players
Category:Northern Pride RLFC players
Category:NRL All Stars players
Category:Oldham R.L.F.C. players
Category:Papua New Guinea national rugby league team players
Category:Papua New Guinean emigrants to Australia
Category:Papua New Guinean rugby league players
Category:PNG Prime Minister's XIII players
Category:Rugby league players from the National Capital District (Papua New Guinea)
Category:Salford Red Devils players
Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons players