NENE COMES Talented Cairns junior signs three-year deal with Cowboys HOME

THE Cowboys have snared the signature of Dragons winger Nene Macdonald, further boosting the strike power of their backline.

Just weeks after the club announced they had signed star Ben Barba on a one-year deal, the Cowboys yesterday revealed they will also have the services of PNG international Macdonald for the next three years.

The Cairns junior was granted a release from the Dragons so he could be closer to family. ESSENDON have won the hotly-contested race for Dylan Shiel, with GWS left to try to extract the best trade they can for the star midfielder.

After lengthy deliberations, Shiel notified suitors Hawthorn, Carlton and St Kilda that he wanted to be a Bomber on Tuesday.

The Giants are set to lose Shiel, Rory Lobb, who wants to go to Fremantle, Jeremy Finlayson (North Melbourne) and Will Setterfield (Carlton) in this trade period.

But while GWS need to free up some salary cap space, the club has warned it is not conducting a fire sale.

“The Giants are prepared to discuss potential trade options with the Bombers that sees an appropriate return for the club,” their statement on Shiel read. “Dylan is contracted to the Giants for the 2019 season and he will remain a Giant should a suitable trade not be reached.”

GWS football boss Wayne Campbell conceded on Trade Radio that his club needs to clear cap space, but added it could still afford to keep Shiel if an appropriate deal isn’t forthcoming.

Essendon’s No.9 pick at this draft won’t be enough to get the deal done.

But an extra future first or second-round pick might be enough for them pull off the recruiting coup.

The Blues, who rolled out the red carpet for Shiel with a private jet to Noosa, were widely believed to be the frontrunners for his services.

Coach Paul Green said Macdonald will add plenty of depth to the Cowboys’ backline.

“He’s a North Queensland kid and we like north Queenslanders representing this region,” Green said.

“Nene is going to offer plenty of depth to our backline and had a fantastic year for the Dragons.” FULL STORY PAGE 36