Salford’s Nene Macdonald tells how Ramadan fast affects him – and why he does it
NENE Macdonald is fast becoming a Salford hero, with the help of those putting themselves through a voluntary Ramadan.
The Red Devils’ centre is Muslim and currently going through the period of fasting between sunrise and sunset.
Nothing can pass his lips and not having water since 3am saw him cramp up during Saturday evening’s win over Leigh.
Rugby Football League officials have been helping Macdonald and other Muslim players through Ramadan and held an Iftar meal in Huddersfield to break the fast.
And he revealed how Salford’s staff are assisting him by fasting themselves.
“It is tough, no water is the toughest part,” said 29-year-old Macdonald, who stayed up until about 3am after playing so he could have his post and pre-fast meals.
“It’s hard not drinking water the whole day before an 80-minute game of rugby league. Ours against Hull KR in the cup and Wigan were OK as they were at night but against Leigh, sunset was at 6.45pm and kick off was at 5.30pm.
“That was as bad as it gets. Rugby league’s physical and requires a lot of mental strength – your mouth’s dry, you’re tired. It’s a combination of difficulties.
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“I cramped up then and hurt my knee!
“After it, my family and I went back and had our Iftar and stayed up until 2am or 3am. We’d have some dates, then pray, then have a big meal.
“If you smoke, you can’t do that. You can’t talk about people behind their backs or lie – you might as well not fast otherwise. They can also break your fast, you can’t have chewing gum unless you’re unwell, pregnant or travelling long distances.
“At the moment, I wake up before cut off in my area and eat, which is difficult in itself as your body doesn’t want to eat before that time. It’s used to doing so at 9am or 10am.
“But Salford have made it easier for me. They sat me down before it started and asked, ‘When does it start? How long do you have to do?’
“And each staff member’s done a day with me, which makes it a whole lot better. Our coach, Paul Rowley, would do Monday, assistant Krisnan Inu Tuesday, the trainer Wednesday, physio Thursday.
“They go through what I’m going through and to lean on each other makes it so much easier. I’m really appreciative, all the players have been supportive too but I wouldn’t want them to fast. I want them to be their best!”
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, finishes on April 9 but Macdonald has tonight’s match at Castleford first.
The clocks going forward mean it is likely he will again not eat or drink for more than 12 hours before kick off – energy gels and water are likely to be taken at half time.
But even though there are times when he is flagging, his reasons for doing it far outweigh any personal effects.
Papua New Guinea international Macdonald added: “Since coming to England, it’s been really hard. Last year, the cut off was 9.50pm, with 8pm kick offs they made for tough days!
“The first week to 10 days are the most difficult but it becomes your new normal and the RFL organised for players to come together and we had an Iftar dinner, which felt really special.
“It’s great to see people understanding what we’re doing. We love that.
“I’m playing, I’m dehydrated and have a chance of injury but I’m doing it for my faith.”