Oct 8th, 2018

Oct 8th, 2018

Six weeks ago he declared his allegiance to the Dragons and planned to extend his contract with the club - but Papua New Guinean international Nene Macdonald has back-flipped and signed with the Cowboys.

One of the Dragons’ form players this year, Macdonald had another year to run on his contract with the club.

But Wide World of Sports has learned that Macdonald has managed to obtain a release on compassionate grounds and will gain a hefty pay rise at the Cowboys next season.

The 24-year-old was raised in Cairns and was keen to return to family and friends.

(Getty)

Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward celebrated Macdonald's contribution to the club and wished him well on his move up north.

"Nene has been an important player over the last two seasons at our club, and although he has one year left on his contract, his management and himself approached the club on compassionate reasons for a release," Millward said.



"We thought it was in the best interests welfare-wise for Nene to grant him the release, so unfortunately he won't be with us in 2019."

The release has cleared room for the club to snap up three additional signings in Mikaele Ravalawa, Jonus Pearson and Jason Saab.

Macdonald puts the Dragons ahead

Ironically, only a month ago, Macdonald told the NRL’s official website, nrl.com, that he wanted to extend his deal at St George Illawarra.

"I really want to stay here and it looks like I will be staying a bit longer so we will just see what happens," Macdonald said.

"I have still got next year here anyway and I have built a good relationship here - a real good base. I like it here, the boys are really close and I am really enjoying being at the Dragons."

Wide World of Sports reported only hours ago that the Dragons have signed Broncos winger Jonus Pearson as a replacement for Macdonald.