Frustrated at missing out on several recruitment targets, the Dragons secured Gold Coast winger Nene Macdonald on a three-year contract, in the fallout of the Jarryd Hayne Titans deal.

“Nene Macdonald was a player we targeted,” Dragons pathways director Ian Millward said. “And he fits the criteria we were looking for.

“We were looking for a proven NRL player with the ability to score tries, which he has this year for the Gold Coast.”

They still remain without a major halfback or hooker signing, confirming both Marshall and Mitch Rein would be leaving the club after Saturday’s final round clash with Newcastle.

Wollongong remains a potential destination for Cowboys playmaker Ray Thompson, while Josh McCrone may yet offer a solution to Rein’s departure.

However, Millward remains “pretty confident” of keeping young prop Luciano Leilua, who made his NRL debut this year, despite interest from other clubs, including the Bulldogs and Sharks.

Macdonald’s signing is a relief for the Dragons, after missing out on the NRL finals and the signatures of Luke Keary and Hayne, among other players they’ve expressed interest in. The Dragons are desperate to avoid the embarrassment of losing their season-ending game to lowly Newcastle at Kogarah on Saturday.

After the failed move to put Josh Dugan in the centres this year, the Dragons will look to under 20s star Matt Dufty as a fullback option, after confirming Adam Quinlan’s contract will not be renewed. “(Dufty has) got speed and we need someone with more speed,” Millward said.

“Sometimes someone has to make way. Dufty will be a succession plan to understudy Josh Dugan in 2017.”

Kurt Mann started the year at fullback, but was dropped after two games and has since scored 10 tries in 12 games on the wing