Macdonald joins Broncos

By PARKER TAMBUA
JOURNEYMAN Nene Macdonald has signed a train-and-trial deal with Brisbane Broncos for the new National Rugby League (NRL) season.
The 27-year-old and fellow North Devil Tyrone Roberts will join the Kevin Walters-coached side on A$1,000-per-week (about K2,600) deals.
Kumuls coach Michael Marum told The National yesterday that the Kairuku native, from Central, would give Papua New Guinea a much-needed boost should he complete an injury-free 2022 season.
“It’s good to see Macdonald given another opportunity with an NRL side,” Marum said of the PNG centre, who has scored five tries across 10 Tests so far.
“It was unfortunate that he was unable to play a lot of first-grade games for the Cronulla Sharks.
“But we understand that competition is high among the playing group of any NRL side.
“It takes a great deal of effort behind the scenes to actually become a regular first-grader.
“I think he made the right move when he left the Sharks in mid-season and joined the North Devils in time for the Queensland Intrust Super Cup finals.
“The Devils have a reputation of giving a second chance to NRL players who find themselves without a contract.
“I believe Nene will do better compared with when he was at Cronulla.
“He might get a few games under coach Kevin Walters, but it’s up to him to really dig deep in the pre-season.
“On behalf of the Kumuls, I would like to congratulate him for continuing to push for another opportunity in the NRL.” Marum said Macdonald’s 192cm, 108kg frame would boost PNG’s World Cup campaign next year.
“He loves playing with aggression,” the former SP Hunters coach said.
“With his size, he is someone we can count on.
“Hopefully, he can have a good season next year and join the Kumuls in peak form.”
The Broncos will be Macdonald’s sixth NRL team since 2013, having had stints with the Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks.