“Last Kumul Standing” to play 4th World Cup

Papua New Guinea’s favorite son, Nene Macdonald, will make his fourth Rugby League World Cup appearance for the PNG LNG Kumuls when he dons the red, black, and gold colors against the Lebanon Cedars on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Macdonald, who made his World Cup debut for the Kumuls in 2013, has been a regular starter for the PNG national team, having 22 Test matches under his belt and scoring 15 tries. He is the most-capped Kumul and also the all-time top try-scorer in PNG’s history. 

Most of Macdonald’s teammates have hung up their boots in the last World Cup. Some transitioned into coaching, while others pursued full-time jobs. However, the lanky athlete continues to ply his trade on the international stage. 

At 32 years of age, the Kumul stalwart and versatile outside back is preparing to lace up the boots for his fourth World Cup campaign, cementing his status as one of PNG's most durable and iconic modern players.

He has been in career-best physical condition since his move to the English Super League to play for St Helens. He has overcome a late-season bone injury scare to secure his place in the tournament opener against Lebanon. 

Without key players like Alex Johnston and Lachlan Lam, who were sidelined due to injury, Macdonald will carry added responsibility to lead the new-look Kumuls’ outfit. Boasting a 192cm frame and over 90kg, he will be the focal point of the Kumuls' attack.

Macdonald has secured his place in history and anticipates his fourth consecutive global campaign. He has represented PNG in 2013, 2017, and 2021, and looks to play his 4th World Cup in 2026. Macdonald edges out other long-serving modern veterans, including Rhyse Martin and Nixon Putt, who are entering their third World Cup tournaments.

The Kairuku man is on the cusp of creating history on Saturday, October 17th, when he runs out with the Kumuls to make his fourth World Cup appearance. He will be the first Kumuls player to play four World Cups.

While a fourth World Cup is a rare milestone, whispers are already growing around the possibility of a fifth global tournament. Given his transition to a more disciplined off-field training and lifestyle regime, the former NRL journeyman is playing with renewed longevity. If he maintains this elite form, a historic fifth World Cup appearance remains firmly within reach for PNG's favorite son.