ST HELENS have released centre Nene Macdonald from his contract with a year left to run.
Macdonald, who is currently on World Cup duty with Papua New Guinea, only joined Saints ahead of the 2026 season to link back up with former Salford boss Paul Rowley.
The 32-year-old would play just 13 times for the Red Vee last season, however, as his campaign was blighted by injury.
New head coach Kevin Walters added Tom Starling to the list of Saints’ recruits going into the 2027 season, with Solomona Faataape, Christian Tuipulotu and Sean O’Sullivan also joining for next year.
With Starling’s signature, however, it meant that the Merseysiders were over the ten allowed overseas quota players.
Macdonald’s departure now sees Saints at the limit of ten.
During his time in the NRL, Macdonald played close to 100 matches across spells with Sydney Roosters, where he made his debut, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks.
Following a Queensland Cup Grand Final victory in 2021, a move to the UK came in 2022.
Macdonald played a major role in Leigh’s promotion to Super League that season, scoring 27 tries in 27 appearances.
He then joined Leeds Rhinos for a year before moving to Salford, where he spent 2024 and 2025.
