Leeds Rhinos centre Nene Macdonald is ready to go again under Rohan Smith and emulate the success they had in Australia together.
The former Leigh Leopard penned a two-year deal with the Rhinos on Thursday evening, following in the footsteps of Justin Sangare (Toulouse), Derrell Olpherts (Castleford), Sam Lisone (Gold Coast), James McDonnell (Wigan), Luis Roberts, Nene Macdonald (both Leigh), Leon Ruan (Doncaster) and Luke Hooley (Batley) in moving to West Yorkshire.
The duo go way back, with Smith signing Macdonald back in 2021, as the pair went on to win the Queensland Cup together with Norths Devils. It's expected he's the Rhinos' ninth and final signing ahead of the 2023 campaign. When speaking on the move, the outside-back is delighted to have got the band back together, especially with his Papua New Guinea teammate Rhys Martin also in the ranks at Headingley Stadium.
Read More: Leeds Rhinos confirm capture of Leigh Leopards and Papua New Guinea centre
"I am very excited, and I can't wait to join up with the Rhinos," said Macdonald. "This is why you play the game, for the chance to be at the top level and really test myself, especially with a great team like the Rhinos. Joining up with Rohan again was a big part of my coming to Leeds."
"He backed me when I needed somewhere to go when he signed me at the Devils, and we won a Championship together. If he wanted me, I was keen to jump on board. I was talking to Rhyse Martin a lot when we were in camp with Papua New Guinea, and he was so positive about the club. He has always been a big influence on my career, we first played alongside each other in the U20s at the Roosters, and I have always looked up to him. He's a good bloke, and I trust his advice."
MacDonald also admitted he had taken the advice of a former Rhino and PNG native Paul Aiton. When the hooker sold the Leeds dream to the Kumuls star, he knew it was the club for him. He also is ready to experience what Super League has to offer, with the passionate supporters a key driver of the move.
"Likewise, Paul Aiton told me that if Leeds Rhinos offer me a chance, that I have to take it with both hands. He loved his time at Headingley, and he said his only regret was that he didn't stay longer.
"I am really grateful to Leigh for the opportunity they gave me last year. I was pleased I could play my part in helping them return to Super League. My wife and son love it over here, and it was definitely a good decision to come over. I can't wait to put a Rhinos jumper on, I have heard about how crazy the fans are, and I am excited to play in front of big crowds because you don't get that sort of passion over in Australia."
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