McDonnell started the match playing at centre and became Wigan Warriors player #1106.

[3][4][5][6] On 14 May 2021 it was reported that he had signed for the York City Knights in the RFL Championship on one-month loan.

[citation needed] McDonnell played 23 matches for Leeds in the 2023 Super League season as the club finished 8th on the table and missed the playoffs.

[8] McDonnell played 25 games for Leeds in the 2024 Super League which saw the club finish 8th on the table.

Later that year he was called up to represent Ireland in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.