North Queensland Cowboys release star winger after bizarre off-field incident
The Cowboys have sacked Nene Macdonald after an incident on Magnetic Island where the injured winger fled the scene of a car crash.
The club this morning released a statement confirming it had "released" Macdonald from his three-year contract, claiming the decision was made by mutual agreement. The 25-year-old had only been with the Cowboys since joining from the Dragons at the end of last season.
"The release is by mutual agreement, with the club, Nene and his management deciding Nene needs some time away from the game," the statement said.
"The club will provide Nene with ongoing support and wishes him well in his future endeavours."
Macdonald is expected to have to front court over the bizarre Magnetic Island incident.
He is the Cowboys' second 2019 signing that has turned sour, with the club forced to sack Ben Barba over an ugly domestic assault on Australia Day.
Nene Macdonald is helped from the field after an injury earlier this season. AAP
Macdonald, who was disciplined in the pre-season for being late to training, is currently recovering from a fracture and dislocation of the left ankle suffered against the Melbourne Storm in April.
The Papua New Guinean representative has played 96 NRL games for four different clubs since making his debut for the Roosters in 2014. He also played for the Titans and Dragons before linking with the Cowboys last year.
