ALLEGED ATTACK ON NENE
COWBOYS recruit Nene Macdonald has allegedly been assaulted in Papua New Guinea, just hours after representing the PNG Kumuls in their 32-22 win over the England Knights.
Reports out of Papua New Guinea yesterday afternoon suggested the winger was out celebrating with teammates when he was allegedly hit over the head with a bottle at Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby on Saturday night.
Macdonald, who flew back to Australia yesterday, originally posted on Facebook that he would not “put a PNG Kumuls jersey on again” until his alleged attacker was found. However, he then posted another message to assure his fans he was OK.
“Thanks everyone for the messages and concern,” he wrote. “I am fine and just disappointed last night ended the way it did after a good win for the Kumuls with unnecessary violence. Thanks to all the Kumuls fans for all the support.”
The Port Moresby-born Macdonald signed with the Cowboys early last month but North Queensland were only made aware of the alleged incident late on Sunday afternoon while the 24-year-old was already travelling home.
A spokesman said the club would check on his condition as soon as possible.
The Kumuls also released a statement yesterday to say police were investigating the incident and it would “issue a statement as soon as the facts have been established”.
“The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has been made aware of an incident involving a PNG Kumul player on Saturday night in Port Moresby,” the statement said.
“PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau said the PNGRFL will request the Police Minister and his department to carry out a thorough investigation into this incident.”
I AM FINE AND JUST DISAPPOINTED LAST NIGHT ENDED THE WAY IT DID AFTER A GOOD WIN FOR THE KUMULS WITH UNNECESSARY VIOLENCE. THANKS TO ALL THE KUMULS FANS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT. NENE MACDONALD