Mead racing clock for mid-year Test

BRISBANE Bronco David Mead is battling a knee injury as hopes to recover in time for the Papua New Guinea Kumuls’ Pacific Test against Fiji who they will face at Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney, on June 25.
The 34-year-old suffered a grade three medial ligament tear while playing for feeder side Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup last month.
Mead told The National yesterday that he still had five more weeks to recover.
He said he missed international rugby league, and would aim to be part of the Test match against the Batis.
“It feels like a long time ago since I last wore the Kumul jersey,” Mead said.
“I can’t wait to do it again. The last time I wore the jersey was when we played Great Britain in Port Moresby in 2019.
I am out injured at the moment and will most likely return in five weeks.
“I am confident that I will recover in full and be ready by then.
“Definitely, I will be available for selection.”
The Tubusereia villager is yet to play a National Rugby League game this season due to injury as well as the number of backline players at Broncos coach Kevin Walters’ disposal.
Meanwhile, Mead said he was confident that the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) would appoint a high-quality replacement for outgoing head coach Michael Marum.
“Michael did a great job during his time as coach,” Mead said.
“I am sure PNGRFL will pick a coach who is capable of doing a good job.” The Kumul veteran said the unavailability of retired players like Luke Page and Kurt Baptiste, and the appointment of a new coach, would be provide a challenging transition for the side.
“It will be a different side compared with the one we had two years ago,” Mead said.
“But I know the young players who will get picked will grab the opportunity, and make their families and country proud.”