NENE MACDONALD is hoping to secure a return to the NRL following an impressive showing at the World Cup.
Macdonald’s exit from St Helens was confirmed last week, with the 32-year-old playing just 13 games for the Merseyside club in an injury-hit season.
He only joined Saints ahead of the 2026 season to link back up with former Salford boss Paul Rowley, and with Rowley’s move to Castleford Tigers, it was suggested that Macdonald could be heading to the OneBore Stadium.
However, the Papua New Guinea international back has seemingly closed the door on Super League, despite being based in England since 2022 with single seasons at Leigh (then in the Championship as the Centurions) and Leeds Rhinos being followed by two at the old Salford Red Devils.
He spoke to Zero Tackle about his desire to go back to the NRL following the Kumuls’ 34-12 loss to England on Friday.
“I’d love to come back. I think it’s time we come back,” said Macdonald, who scored 35 tries in 98 NRL appearances for Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks between 2014 and 2020.
“I’m excited for the next few months (about) what’s going to happen. I’m a free agent, so we’ll see what happens. I’m hoping after this game maybe.”
With PNG Chiefs joining the NRL as new franchise in 2028, a host of Kumuls internationals have been linked with potential moves.
And for Port Moresby-born Macdonald, it would be the icing on the cake to make that move.
“I’m lacing the boots up, straight away,” he said when asked how he would react if given the chance to play for the Chiefs.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to have an NRL team in PNG, and now it’s actually coming true.
“I just wish I was born ten years earlier.”
