Introduction
Dane Nielsen (born 10 June 1985) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League. A Queensland State of Origin representative, he plays at centre and wing. He previously played for NRL clubs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Melbourne Storm, with whom he won the 2009 and 2012 NRL Premierships, the New Zealand Warriors, St. George Illawarra Dragons, and the Bradford Bulls in the Kingstone Press Championship.
Early years
Hailing from the North Queensland town of Mackay, Nielsen is of Indigenous Australian and Solomon Island descent and was a Norths Devils junior.
Professional playing career
Nielsen started his NRL career with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, making his début on 20 July 2007 against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Melbourne Storm
In 2008 Nielsen joined the Melbourne Storm, becoming a regular at centre. In 2009 Nielsen was sent-off for a high tackle in the Storm's Round 15 clash with the Wests Tigers. He played for Melbourne on the wing in their 2009 NRL Grand Final win against the Parramatta Eels (which was stripped from the club after their salary cap scandal). Nielsen then went on to play in Melbourne's 2010 World Club Challenge victory against English champions, the Leeds Rhinos.
Nielsen was named as injured Greg Inglis' replacement at centre in the Queensland side for Game I and II of the 2011 State of Origin series.
In May 2012, he signed a 3-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors starting in 2013. Later that year he played in the third and deciding game of the 2012 State of Origin series which Queensland won. At the end of the season Nielsen played for the Melbourne Storm in their 2012 NRL Grand final victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
New Zealand Warriors
Nielsen moved to Auckland for the 2013 New Zealand Warriors season, also the first for the club's new Australian coach Matthew Elliott.
St George Illawarra Dragons
On 19 November 2014, Nielsen signed a two-year deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons, starting from the 2015 season.
On 5 May 2015, Nielsen had his contract with the Dragons terminated due to disciplinary reasons.
Bradford Bulls
After several games in the Mackay & District Rugby League, Nielsen signed a year and a half contract with the Bradford Bulls on 28 July 2015.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
On 25 January 2016, Nielsen returned to Australia, signing a 2-year contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs starting effective immediately. He has played in the NSW Cup for the Rabbitohs feeder club, the North Sydney Bears. Nielsen made his debut for the club in Round 8, playing in the centres in the 30-8 against the Brisbane Broncos.
Statistics
2015 - 2015
Nielsen featured in Qualifier 3 (Salford Red Devils) to Qualifier 6 (Leigh Centurions). Dane played in the £1 Million Game (Wakefield Wildcats).
Statistics do not include pre-season friendlies.
| Season | Appearance | Tries | Goals | F/G | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Bradford Bulls | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |