Home tests thrill Mead

By ISAAC LIRI
DAVID Mead may have been on the losing end of Sunday’s Q-Cup match in Port Moresby but the PNG Kumuls fullback is excited at the prospect of playing in front of home fans during the Rugby League World Cup.
The 28-year-old scored two tries for his side in their 28-22 loss to the PNG Hunters but was impressed with the atmosphere at the stadium.
“The first time I found out that we were going to co-host the 2017 World Cup was last year after the Pacific test,” Mead said.
“From that moment it really got me excited that there will be three home games not only for us players but for everyone in Papua New Guinea to support their team on home soil.”
Mead last played at the old Lloyd Robson Oval eight years ago and recalled the atmosphere and surface.
“I remember playing here the last time in 2009, the field was a lot harder and there is obviously not a stadium as good as quality as this and it just brought back memories of me playing at 2009,”  Mead, who first played for PNG at the 2008 World Cup, said.
“It was bit different for me coming up with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and something we’ve experienced today will definitely be a memory for the rest of my life.”
Playing with the Kumuls in the last two World Cups Mead is looking to wear the red black and gold at the tournament for the third time in October when Port Moresby hosts Wales, Ireland and USA in three pool games at the NFS.
“It’s always a good feeling to represent your country. Something you dream about as a kid. I know the rest of PNG is excited about rugby league and hopefully I make the squad.”
Kumuls coach Michael Marum said Mead would be one of the players the selectors would be keeping close tabs on and was a certainty to make the squad barring injury.
Marum said Mead’s leadership had been exemplary and inspirational especially during the 2016 Pacific test against Fiji.
“He captained the side well last year. We had never won a test match outside PNG coming into last year’s game against the Bati and David played a big part in that win (24-22) which; his performance during that game was just outstanding.
“He missed out this year through injury but we need quality players like David and others from the NRL to boost our performance. We just hope he doesn’t get injured,” Marum said.