David Mead

I've lived my dream: Mead calls time on 14-year career

Mead played 171 NRL games for Broncos and Titans, scoring 75 tries since making his debut in 2009, as well as 58 Super League games for Catalans Dragons scoring 29 tries.

The popular finisher also played 15 Tests for Papua New Guinea and scored 10 tries, as well as captaining his beloved country of birth at the 2017 World Cup.

Mead said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Broncos, Titans, Catalans, NRL and Super league for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream since 2009.

Mead Speaks On Leaving NRL

During an interview with Mead, the rugby player shared that he is planning to finish up with the NRL Brisbane Broncos this year.

“I’m leading towards finishing up this year, my love for the game isn’t as strong as it used to be. I think it is going to be my last year have not made a final decision yet.

“But I’m more excited about what’s next then continuously run onto the rugby field. I prefer now to peel some oranges on the side line and run out some water bottles for the players on the field,” Mead said.

Mead Returns For Community Work

He said this during his meet with media, Mead had the chance to meet with BSP customers and staff and has been the ambassador for six years.

Mead is back in PNG on behalf of BSP to do some work in the community and help BSP in the process of giving out some grants and foundations they support.

“I met with BSP staff and customers and in the few days we got together so it is always an honour to come back to PNG.”

Mead bows out in style as Kumuls down Bati

Mead grabbed a try and ran for 139 metres as he led his country to their eighth win in their past 11 Test matches.

Fiji looked to have struck the first blow in the 10th minute when Taane Milne powered crashed over from close range but he was ruled to have lost the ball on the way to the ground.

Not to be denied the Bati kept the pressure on and co-captain Kevin Naiqama opened the scoring when he put in a grubber and cleaned up the scraps after Dan Russell had fumbled the ball. 

'Made me who I am': Mead announces Test retirement

Mead wants other young PNG players to have a similar experience and that is why the long-serving Kumuls captain told team-mates on Tuesday that he was calling time on his decorated international career after Saturday night’s Pacific Test against Fiji at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

​The 33-year-old is yet to made a final decision about his NRL future but he has advised new Kumuls coach Stanley Tepend to give his World Cup spot to one of the growing band of young players he believes would provide the talent for a future PNG team in the Telstra Premiership.

Reynolds' experience already rubbing off at Broncos: Mead

The former Rabbitohs skipper has stopped in for a few sessions already even though his grand final commitments earned him a longer rest, in a move that impressed his new team-mates, according to Mead.

"Adam Reynolds has joined the squad a couple of times throughout the year which has brought a lot of excitement and enthusiasm from a lot of the young guys," Mead said.

"He's played at the top level for a long time, he's an experienced halfback, knows how to organise.

"Good talker, an experienced organiser so we enjoy having those qualities about him."

Surprise visit by PNG Kumuls star

Mead was pleased to meet with the students and staff of the school to talk about sports and the power of learning through books on October 30th.

He encouraged the children to read, adding that “education and learning through reading contributed to improving their understanding of the world”.

For the teachers and parents who were there to witness the handover, Mead highlighted that it was important they continued to brew the love of books in the youngsters and encourage the ability of reading and comprehension.

Kumuls determined to turn tide around

Captain David Mead highlighted that one of the weaknesses in the October 27th match centred around the offloading of the ball.

It was a disappointing result for the PNG LNG Kumuls when they went down 12-16 to the England Knights in the first of a two game series.

Three unconverted tries ensured the visiting team’s victory.

However, captain David Mead says they never finish a game blaming any individual.

Mead, Segeyaro to lead PNG Kumuls

The incumbent PNG LNG Kumuls captain will be assisted by James Segeyaro, who captained the Pacific Test in July during Mead's absence.

During their joint training with the PNG Orchids yesterday, Mead expressed his excitement at being back in camp.

The 2017 World Cup skipper was not considered for the Pacific Test selection in July as he was playing in the UK Super League.

“It’s a huge honour to be named captain for your country so I’ll make sure I prepare really well this week and give my best for the team,” he said.

Mead: I’ve learned to accept it and move on

Mead only lasted 90 seconds in PNG’s 36-6 quarter-final loss to England on Sunday and was ruled out for the remainder of the match after failing his Head Injury Assessment.

“It was obviously very frustrating sitting on the sideline and watching. It was pretty hard to accept at first four or five hours after the game.

“As a player, you don’t ever want to miss a single game at a World Cup. But that stuff happens in rugby league so you have to learn to accept it.

“It would have been good to finish, but it wasn’t to be.

“I’ve learned to accept it and move on.