St Helens have officially confirmed that Papua New Guinea international star Nene Macdonald has left the club by mutual agreement with immediate effect.

The 32-year-old centre featured 13 times for the Saints during an injury-hit campaign after joining ahead of the season. His departure frees up a crucial overseas quota spot as incoming head coach Kevin Walters reshapes his squad for next year.

With Macdonald now officially on the market, overseas quota spots across the top flight remain at a premium. Only six clubs (Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR, Toulouse Olympique, Wakefield Trinity, and Wigan Warriors) currently possess an open overseas quota spot.

When filtering out teams with settled backlines or contrasting recruitment plans, realistic landing spots narrow down to a select group of ambitious sides. Here are four potential destinations for the Kumuls star.

Where Nene MacDonald could end up after St Helens exit

Bradford Bulls

Seeking a more successful second year in the top flight, Bradford stand out as a prime candidate. Holding an open overseas quota spot, the Bulls have made no secret of their ambition to add proven big-game quality to their squad. Macdonald would instantly provide elite strike power, yardage carries, and top-flight pedigree to their backline. He has also worked with boss Kurt Haggerty during the pair’s time at the Red Devils.

Huddersfield Giants

Huddersfield remain one of the few top-flight clubs with an active quota spot available. Given their focus on bolstering depth in the outside backs, bringing in a seasoned international like Macdonald would give their backline immediate explosive firepower and physical presence out of back-field carries. As it stands, the Giants’ outside backs options are minimal, and the PNG ace would be a perfect fit.

Toulouse Olympique

Toulouse are always in the market for proven overseas talent to spearhead their squad. With a quota spot available and a track record of offering opportunities to high-profile Pacific Island stars, the French outfit could present a strong alternative option. The side have also failed to replace centre Reubenn Rennie, who left the club part-way through 2026.

Castleford Tigers

Albeit an outside shot, Castleford naturally enter the conversation due to the presence of head coach Paul Rowley, who previously got the very best out of Macdonald during their time working together.

Under Rowley, he was named in the 2024 Super League Dream Team at centre during his time with Salford. However, any potential move to West Yorkshire would require roster shuffling, as Castleford currently have all of their allocated overseas quota spots fully filled.

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