Leeds star Nene Macdonald hailed for ‘superhuman’ impact during Ramadan

James Gordon
Nene Macdonald playing during Ramadan

Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images

Leeds and Papua New Guinea centre Nene Macdonald has drawn plaudits for his performance during the month of Ramadan.

Macdonald, 28, earned the man of the match award for his performance in Leeds’ 18-17 win over Huddersfield on Easter Sunday.

Despite fasting between dawn and sunset in the Islamic Holy month, MacDonald still put in a sterling display where he took 25 carries for 143 metres and made one break.

Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks was in awe of his display in the post-match interview, revealing that the last time he ate anything was at 5:03am the morning of the game.

Macdonald said: “It’s been pretty tough, I think it’s a test of your mind and spirit to see if you can get through it and all power to God. We did well, I was really struggling out there but when you’re doing it for the right things, it gives you extra strength.

“I felt pretty good first half, second half I was on my hands and knees. I was trying to run every set to help the forwards out, they were doing so much work, and I was just happy we got away with the win.

“I thought it was going to be a good one, I didn’t think it was going to be that close. I don’t know what he was doing kicking it out there, I was confused after that!

“Time to eat and have a drink with the boys and relax and have a good sleep tonight.”

Incredible efforts during Ramadan

Macdonald arrived at Headingley in the off-season having helped Leigh to promotion from the Championship in 2022.

His efforts over the past few weeks haven’t gone unnoticed by fans either.

Rhinos podcast host TheOwlandFleece noted that Macdonald is now averaging 166 metres per game, the highest in Super League.

LoinersView tweeted: “Cannot stress this enough, Nene is incredible. Doing Ramadan is tough as it’s a test of discipline and awareness and to play as incredible as this is something else. We really do have a great talent on our hands.”

Lewisrids: “There have been loads of amazing efforts from athletes who are competing whilst observing Ramadan, but Leeds Rhinos’ Nene Macdonald has just played every second of a bruising clash with Huddersfield Giants. He’s probably been as good as anyone on the pitch, as well – superhuman.”

Back in 2021, Catalans winger Fouad Yaha became the first Muslim player to feature in a Super League Grand Final.

The Dragons tweeted last month that he had received a Ramadan pack to support him during the month, though he is currently sidelined through a shoulder injury.

Keighley prop Sadiq Adebiyi was also a recipient of a Ramadan pack from Nujum Sports, in partnership with the RFL.

Jansin Turgut was also pictured with a pack, following his recent return to action with Bradford Bulls reserves.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. That means they won’t eat or drink anything, even water in daylight hours.

It has become prevalent in recent years for major sporting events to be stopped in the period to allow Muslim players to take on board water or otherwise as soon as the sunsets.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives.

This year, Ramadan runs from the evening of Wednesday March 22 to Friday April 21.

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