Kumuls dealt with huge blow as World Cup star in doubt

PNG Kumuls centre Nene Macdonald runs the ball during the 2025 Pacific Championships against Cook Islands at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby *(Image: PNG Kumuls)*

Papua New Guinea’s Rugby League World Cup campaign has been hit with a massive blow, with key back Nene Macdonald facing a race against time to feature in the October tournament after suffering a major knee injury.

The 32-year-old Kumuls stalwart was officially ruled out for the remainder of the Super League season with St Helens earlier this month, casting serious doubt over his availability for PNG’s group-stage opener against Lebanon.

While Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou remains hopeful his strike center can turn the corner, the clock is ticking.

“My main concern is getting him fit and healthy for the World Cup,” Demetriou said in a post-match conference for London Broncos.

“Nene’s just gone home, so making sure that….he’s had knee issues this year….making sure that he spends the next month getting the work done that he needs to get that knee strong and ready for a World Cup.

“It’s really important for us at the Kumuls.”

Nene Macdonald in action for St Helens prior to injuring his knee (Image: Supplied)

Macdonald, who has been a centerpiece of the national side since making his debut in 2015, carried the injury through the middle of the Super League season before his body finally gave out.

St Helens interim coach Eamon O’Carroll revealed the 22-Test veteran attempted to play through severe pain against Leigh a fortnight ago, but failed a fitness test prior to kickoff.

“Nene has got an issue with his knee,” O’Carroll said. “He was trying to play through the pain and he might have been in a position to play, but he can’t. I’m not sure, that might be him done.”

Losing Kumul #246 would leave a massive void in Demetriou’s backline. Macdonald has featured in every World Cup campaign for PNG over the past decade and boasts an impressive tally of 13 international tries.

PNG is set to launch its World Cup campaign on home soil when they host Lebanon at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on October 17, followed by a heavyweight clash against Samoa on October 24.

The Kumuls will then head to Australia to wrap up the pool stage against England at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium on October 30.