Mead: I want to continue in 2022

By PARKER TAMBUA
BRISBANE Bronco and Papua New Guinea international David Mead says he wants to play in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) beyond this year.
The 32-year-old, who has so far played 159 NRL games for Gold Coast and Brisbane across nine seasons, told The National on Friday that his priority this season was to earn another contract.
“My contract with the Broncos is for one year, so I want to make the most of this season and keep playing beyond 2021,” said Mead, who returned to Red Hill after three years with French-based English Super League club Catalans.
“But I’m not looking beyond this year yet.
“I am focused on having a good season and then I will see what follows.
“I am excited to be back with Brisbane.
“I didn’t know if I would be back in the NRL but now that I am here, I am looking forward to working hard and contribute to the team.
“My goal is to train as best as I can and earn a spot in the team.”
The Tubusereia villager is yet to win an NRL premiership but came close in 2011 and 2017 when he played in the semifinals for the Titans and Broncos respectively.
Mead’s highest club achievement was when he won the Challenge Cup with Catalans in 2019.
Meanwhile, the speedster said he would be pushing to play in his fourth Rugby League World Cup this year.
If he does make the PNG squad, it will be a record as no Kumul has played in four World Cups.
Mead played in the 2008, 2013 and 2017 editions of the showpiece event.
“It’s always a great experience to wear the Kumuls jersey and I am looking to the World Cup this year,” he said.