Salford Red Devils star Nene MacDonald has shared his excitement after returning from international duty in preparation for the 2025 season.
The centre return back into the squad on January 3, alongside Tim Lafai, after an extended off-season break, due to his international commitments.
The 30-year-old returned after recently starring in the recent Pacific Championships, where he played for Papau New Guinea.
Macdonald who represented his nation was involved in wins against Fiji and the Cook Islands to reach a promotion and relegation showdown with New Zealand.
Despite the defeat, the international star returned to the club and training on Friday 3 January and has set his target on the upcoming season.
As he said: “It was good to get away and spend a lot of time back home.
“I was able to get some nice warm sun, but it actually made me miss the cold, so it is good to be back here.
Nene continued to speak on the experience, and how it will benefit him going forward, he added: “It was one of the highlights of my career being able to play for my country, I have been doing it for a long time.”
With the Salford Red Devils reaching the playoffs, Nene Macdonald continued to share the surprise from the last campaign, he continued: “Yeah it definitely shot higher than I though it would.”
Nene was also voted as a Dream Team member, alongside teammate Marc Sneyd, as well as supporters player of the year.
It was a clear testament to how successful his season was for the Red Devils
As he continued: “I think it’s a big thanks to the club and the boys. The coaching staff allowed me to express myself throughout the year and play the footy I wanted to play.
“It allowed me to be at my best and it’s just a massive thanks to the club, and everyone here!”
The preparations for next season have begun, as he continued: “The next four weeks are massive to be back, and now we have the full squad we need to start sharpening the tools for the season.
“We finished good last year but not where we wanted, and I think we can go a lot further than we did last season.
With a strong preseason needed hoping to ease in the new signing, Nene added: “I am excited for the upcoming season.”
The Red Devils will return to league action on the February 15, when they play St. Helen’s.
But they will be focused on a pre-season fixture against the Barrow Raiders, on January 18 at the Northern Competitions Stadium.
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