Mead excited to play final Test match after three-year wait

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE only surviving member of the Kumuls’ 2008 Rugby League World Cup squad, David Mead says he is thrilled to play his 15th and final Test match for Papua New Guinea against Fiji tomorrow night (7.50pm kick-off).
The 34-year-old told The National on Tuesday that Sydney’s Campbelltown Stadium clash would bring a lot of excitement following the three-year absence of international rugby league due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s always an honour to put on the Kumuls jersey,” Brisbane Bronco Mead said ahead of the mid-year Pacific Test match.
“It has always been a proud moment for me to represent my family and PNG.
“The passion has always been there ever since I made my international debut in the 2008 World Cup.”
The Tubusereia native backed the Kumuls to prepare well for the Bati despite naming seven rookies.
Although the Kumuls have fewer National Rugby League (NRL) players than Fiji, Mead said their preparation was crucial as it had been proven in PNG’s recent successes.
“I think we know how to prepare ourselves than we did some 10 years ago,” the Kumul No.227 said.
“Preparations don’t guarantee success, but they give you a good chance.
“We are also going through a transition with younger players coming through.
“My advice to them is, train hard, listen to your coaches and have regular conversations with them about how you can improve because they are there to help you.’”
Meanwhile, Mead said he was looking forward to playing under new head coach, Stanley Tepend.
“I’ve worked with Stan before,” he said.
“He is a smart coach. I am excited to work with him and the team this week.”