“I want to win Grand Finals and Challenge Cups” – Papua New Guinea star Nene Macdonald signs new long-term deal with Leeds Rhinos

Nene Macdonald has agreed to a new four-year contract with Leeds Rhinos, keeping him at Headingley Stadium until at least the end of the 2027 campaign.

The Papua New Guinea international star joined Rohan Smith’s Rhinos on an initial one-year deal ahead of the 2023 campaign from Leigh.

He was a part of Adrian Lam’s promotion-winning side to Super League, before representing the Kumuls at the delayed 2021 World Cup in England, featuring in all four of their fixtures.

Macdonald has made 14 Super League appearances so far in 2023, scoring once,

Nene Macdonald on new Leeds Rhinos deal

“I am really excited to commit my future to the club,” Macdonald said.

“It was a big decision for me and my family, especially because of all the guys back home in Australia.

“It was almost an easy decision in the end though as the club have looked after me and I have felt nothing but love since I arrived at Leeds.

“It has been great to get to know the city as well and I have grown to love it here. It has been so welcoming since the first day that I arrived.

“I looked at everything before I signed, I think it is an amazing club and I believe we are going to do amazing things.

“Looking at the boys we have got around the club, it is a good club to be around.

“I want to win Grand Finals and Challenge Cups and be part of a team that sets the bar high again, just as it used to be here at Leeds. Hopefully, we can start our own generation of success and that is my goal for the next four years.”

Head coach Smith added: “I am delighted for Nene that he has agreed a long term deal to stay at the club.

“I know that he feels at home here at the Rhinos and he has become an integral part of our group in a relatively short time since his move to Headingley.

“I know he is a player that gets our fans excited when he is on the ball and I am looking forward to seeing more to come from him.”

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