Another recruit exits as Cowboys release star winger Nene Macdonald

Nene Macdonald’s departure comes just weeks after he was involved in an off-field incident, with the Test flyer the second off-season signing to leave the club.

Round 3 match of the NRL Telstra Premiership between the North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks from 1300 Smiles Stadium, Towsnville. Cowboys Nene Macdonald. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Cowboys have parted ways with winger Nene Macdonald to allow him to spend time away from the game.

The former Dragon signed with North Queensland on a three-year contract earlier this year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury since April.

The star winger was reportedly under investigation by the club and police following a “traffic accident” on Magnetic Island last month.

In a statement released Friday morning, the club said they had today released Macdonald from his playing contract.

“The release is by mutual agreement, with the club, Nene and his management deciding Nene needs some time away from the game,” the statement read.

Nene Macdonald has been released by the Cowboys. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“The club will provide Nene with ongoing support and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Macdonald is the second 2019 signing to face the ire of police and the Cowboys, after star signing Ben Barba was sacked in the pre-season in the fallout from an assault incident on Australia Day, before he pleaded guilty to two counts of public nuisance in Mackay Magistrates Court.