In further adding to their backline depth and talent, the Sharks have signed PNG international Nene Macdonald on a two-year deal.
Complementing the signing of Bryson Goodwin, which was confirmed earlier today, Macdonald is set to add size, speed and experience to the Sharks ranks.
Since debuting in 2014, Macdonald played 96 games in the NRL, scoring 34 tries, representing the Roosters, Titans, Dragons and Cowboys. He has also played nine Tests for the PNG Kumuls and two games for the World All Stars.
A serious leg injury cut short his 2019 season while in North Queensland, with the 194cm, 110kg Macdonald later was released by the Cowboys mid-year, with Sharks coach John Morris impressed by his attitude and fitness levels and happy to offer him the opportunity to resurrect his career at the Cronulla club.
“Nene has shown some really good signs over the last few months,” Morris said. “He’s getting his life back in order, he’s training really hard, he’s in really good nick.
“We all know the talent that he has and he’ll bring much-needed experience as well as a different body shape to our team. I’m looking forward to getting him match fit and for him to add some depth to our backline.”
Macdonald debuted in the NRL while at the Sydney Roosters, his first game in the top grade coming in round 11 of the 2014 season.
After the Roosters he spent two seasons at the Gold Coast, before moving to the Dragons where he struck up a backline partnership with Sharks centre Josh Dugan.
“He’s one of those kids who can create something out of nothing,” Dugan said.
“He’s a big powerful thing, I definitely think we could use somebody with first grade experience and a big body as well who could tear the ball back and compete on the high ball.”
It is expected that Macdonald will enter the Sharks training ‘bubble’ either Tuesday or Wednesday this week, where his journey towards full fitness will begin, however it is too early to predict when he may be available for NRL selection.
The terms of his new contract are for the remainder of the 2020 and the 2021 seasons.
Nene Macdonald Fact File
| BORN | May 11, 1994 – Port Moresby, PNG |
| JUNIOR CLUB | Cairns Brothers |
| POSITION | Centre/wing |
| HEIGHT | 194cm |
| WEIGHT | 111kgs |
| REP HONOURS | 9 Tests for PNG |
| NRL GAMES | 96 – 34 tries |
