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St Helens have confirmed the release of one of their overseas quota players, meaning they can now fit new signing Tom Starling into their squad registration.
Nene MacDonald will depart the BrewDog Stadium with immediate effect. The Papua New Guinea international spent just one season at the club, following what was initially meant to be a two-year switch from Salford Red Devils.
MacDonald was plagued by injury in 2026, with a recurring knee issue hampering his time at the club. He made just 13 appearances under Paul Rowley and Eamon O’Carroll, scoring three tries.
The 32-year-old is currently on international duty with PNG, and is set to line up against England on Friday morning having missed last week’s defeat to Samoa through illness.
It is currently unknown whether MacDonald will remain in the UK, a place he has resided in for the past five seasons, or whether he will return back down under.
St Helens released a brief statement confirming his release, saying:
“St.Helens R.F.C. confirms it has reached a mutual agreement with Nene Macdonald to release the player from his contract.
“Cara Brickwork has sponsored Nene Macdonald, and the Saints would like to thank them for their ongoing support.
“The centre joined St.Helens in December 2025 ahead of the 2026 season and featured in 13 matches during the year, scoring three tries, with his time in the Red V sadly hampered by injuries.
“St.Helens thanks Nene for his time with the Club and wishes him well for the future.”
As mentioned, the release of MacDonald means that St Helens now fit within the limits of quota registration.
The club have reportedly set their sights on off-contract Brisbane forward Jack Gosiewski, but if a deal were to happen, they would need to part ways with another of their current overseas contingent.
St Helens’ current overseas situation is as follows:
Contracted until 2027: Curtis Sironen, David Klemmer, Jacob Host, Shane Wright, Shaun O’Sullivan
Contracted until 2028: Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Solomona Faataape
Contracted until 2029: Tristan Sailor, Christian Tuipulotu
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