Macdonald, Mead primed for final

By PARKER TAMBUA
BRISBANE Bronco David Mead says he is primed to lead feeder club Wynnum Manly against Nene Macdonald’s Norths Devils in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup grand final on Sunday.
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls pair, who boast a combined 269 National Rugby League (NRL) appearances, will line up on the wing for their respective teams at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe (3.10pm kick-off).
Tubusereia villager Mead told The National yesterday that he was relishing the challenge against his fellow Central native, who had stints with the Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast, St George Illawarra and Cronulla.
“Nene has had a chance to come to Queensland (from Cronulla) late in the season and has joined a great team (Devils),” the former Titans winger and one-time Catalans Dragon said.
“He will be on the opposing side, but I’m looking forward to going up against him and playing well for my team.
“I am excited to be part of Wynnum Manly this year.
“They are a good team, and I enjoy training and playing with them.
“For the grand final, I think we need to start better.
“Norths are the minor premiers and they have played well all year, so we need to play well from the start.”
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old said Sunday’s 40-18 preliminary final win over Tweed Heads came off the back of a strong defensive effort.
“We defended well and gave ourselves a good chance to win,” Mead said.
“I thought we showed good resilience and character to stay in the contest, and we finished the game strongly. I hope we do the same this week.”
Wynnum will count on Broncos-contracted Selwyn Cobbo (fullback), Mead, Richard Kennar (wing), Jesse Arthars (centre) and TC Robati (second-row) in their bid to go one better than 2019, when they finished as runners-up.
Norths have NRL-experienced trio Macdonald, Danny Levi (Newcastle Knights, Manly Sea Eagles and Broncos) and Tyrone Roberts (Knights and Titans) in their arsenal.